An extraordinary meeting of the parliamentary committee on human rights and minorities on Monday addressed the circumstances surrounding the murder of a teacher in Gelnica. The case of a woman murdered by her violent husband exposed shortcomings in the protection of victims of domestic violence. According to organizations that assist abused women, the current system does not provide adequate protection. In the wake of the tragedy, possible legislative changes are also being discussed.
Zuzana, 47, was first assaulted by her husband in February 2026. He was imprisoned and later released on 9 June. Fearing for her safety, she applied for a restraining order, but the court denied her request. On 20 June, her husband killed her. After fleeing the scene, he was apprehended and confessed to the murder. Police Corps President Jana Maškarová ordered an investigation into the police handling of the case. The results were due to be announced on Monday.
Speaking on STVR's Sunday current affairs programme, parliamentary vice-chair Tibor Gašpar (Smer-SD) and PS leader Michal Šimečka agreed that the case highlighted the need for tougher criminal legislation.
Former Justice Minister Mária Kolíková of the SaS party described the case as a systemic failure of the state.
“The state lacks well-coordinated institutions that should work together to protect such victims,” she said.
She also pointed to the insufficient number of probation and mediation officers. Agriculture Minister Richard Takáč of Smer-SD rejected the claim that the case reflects a systemic failure. “As far as I know, both the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Justice are reviewing the procedures followed by the relevant authorities,” stated Takáč for STVR. As he confirmed, if any systemic failures are identified, appropriate changes will be made to help prevent tragedies like this as much as possible.
Women in Slovakia are dying because the system meant to protect them is failing, the Human Rights Coalition stated on Friday. Most murders of women by their partners or ex-partners could be prevented if the state institutions were able to recognise the threat and act in advance, stated the Coalition, pointing to the absence of clear coordination procedures between the police, courts, the prosecution service, prisons, women's safe houses, and counselling or intervention centres, as well as the minimal use of electronic monitoring.
In Slovakia, women experiencing domestic abuse can seek refuge in specialised shelters. However, according to Alexandra Hovancová, director of an emergency shelter for abused women and their children, applicants must first provide evidence of the abuse, such as documentation from a doctor, the police, or a court. As she said for STVR: “It really is a very long bureaucratic process.”
According to Attorney General Maroš Žilinka, the tragedy underscores the need for practical, systematic work with offenders, particularly those struggling with substance abuse.
Source: STVR
