High levels of distrust in Slovak state institutions, a perceived lack of safety for journalists, and corruption were some of the key findings reported by the European Commission delegation which was sent to Slovakia last week, in order to carry out a fact-finding mission following the murders of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová. The delegation comprised German, British, Polish, Dutch, Hungarian and Italian MEPs from various political parties, who met with representatives of non-governmental anti-corruption organisations, journalists, government and state officials and representatives of law enforcement and agricultural bodies.
The 39-page report, released on Tuesday, states that the Slovak Republic has fundamental problems with the upholding of citizens' rights, adding that that the country's legislation conforms with European Union standards, but there is a staggering disproportion between written legislation and its reality in practice. Additionally, public perception of state organisations was reported as being low, with a low level of trust and efficiency, but this could be improved through the creation of credible institutions.
The delegation was inundated by complaints from NGOs and representatives of civic groups, chief among which was that allegations for corruption in Slovakia are often not followed-up, and when they are, they tend to not result in prison sentences. Subsequently, the delegation heard that positions of power in Slovakia typically resulted in financial theft, with EU funds seen as gifts destined to end up in the hands of oligarchs.
The strengthening of existing laws was highlighted as an area in which Slovakia needs to improve, while strong concerns were raised on the quality of justice in relation to court proceedings and prosecution, as possible conflicts of interest could jeopardise the neutrality of criminal investigations and subsequent prosecutions.
Corruption in Slovakia, perhaps unsurprisingly, also appeared in the European Commission report's findings; in particular Slovakia's ineffective fight against corruption which has yielded negligible results, despite the creation of a special anti-corruption body and legislation to protect whistle-blowers.
Regarding the double murder of the young journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová, Slovak authorities expressed their full commitment to carrying out a full investigation into the deaths. Kuciak was investigating alleged ties between high-level Slovak officials and Italian mafia, including the syphoning of EU funds, before he and his partner were executed, being shot in the head and chest, in their home in late February. In the discussions held between the delegation and Slovak officials, the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies in Slovakia and international agencies - in particular with Italian services - was highlighted.
