Slovakia’s Justice Ministry is preparing a major overhaul of the system for cooperating defendants, known as “kajúcnik”, aiming to strengthen the credibility of their testimony. Under a draft amendment to the Criminal Procedure Code, cooperating defendants would no longer be allowed to receive benefits repeatedly across different cases. They would also have 180 days to fully confess to their own crimes, provide truthful testimony about others, and hand over any illegal gains. Another key change would mean a kajúcnik’s testimony could no longer serve as the sole evidence in court.
Justice Minister Boris Susko (SMER-SD) says the proposed reform responds to concerns the system has been misused. If a cooperating defendant breaks the rules – for example by lying, refusing to testify, or committing a new offence – they would lose any benefits and could face renewed prosecution.
The opposition has criticised the plan, arguing it could be tailored to help specific individuals. A previous amendment introduced by coalition MPs last December required cooperating defendants not to lie, but it was suspended by the Constitutional Court. Even if upheld, the new proposal would replace it.
Criminal law professor Tomáš Strémy from Comenius University in Bratislava says it is still too early for a final assessment. While some elements – such as judicial oversight and clear time limits – appear promising, he says the overall impact will depend on the final wording.
The proposal is expected to enter inter-ministerial review in the coming days, with the government aiming to submit it to parliament in May. If approved, the new rules could take effect in September.
Source: STVR, TASR
