Slovakia will amend laws covering the fight against terrorism, informed Prime Minister Robert Fico. The topic was high on the agenda of the Security Council's meeting midweek. The Council green-lighted the creation of a working group that will assess proposals for the adjustment of the respective legislation. PM Fico highlighted that Slovakia will be inspired in creating these changes by anti-terrorist laws of other EU member states. Among these changes, the prime minister mentioned that, for example, compulsory custody should be introduced in the event of suspicions of terrorism. Rights of persons charged in association with terrorism should not be the same as rights of other indicted persons. If a change to the Constitution is necessary, PM Fico is prepared to hold talks with the opposition.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico summoned a first session of the Slovak Security Council and terrorism experts on Saturday, a day after the terror attacks in Paris saying that the legislation should've been adjusted a long time ago. Security analyst Milan Žitný is convinced that there's a need to amend the law on state service and to stabilise security organisations so they don't change the leadership every time a new Government is elected. Another expert on terrorism Andor Sándor said that the legislation has to adjust to the situation that currently pervades in the country. "Prime Minister Fico has appreciated the operations of the Slovak Intelligence Service and police many times, which suggests that they're in good condition as he evaluated their operations positively," said Sándor. He considers the change of legislation in view of the recent terror attacks in Paris a good step towards heightened security. If the situation in the country gets fundamentally worse, measures facilitating swifter access of intelligence services and information for police should be put in place.
