Early Briefing: They're trying to silence witnesses more cleverly now, millions from Prešov will go elsewhere

In a move that has raised eyebrows across Slovakia, the government has pushed through a third attempt at amending the controversial 'witness of truth' legislation. Just days before a high-profile trial involving a deputy parliament speaker, the Justice Ministry, under Boris Susko, has introduced changes that could significantly complicate the use of testimonies from cooperating defendants in criminal proceedings. This legislative maneuver, critics argue, appears strategically timed to potentially impact ongoing cases, including the 'Očistec' (Purge) investigation.

The new rules stipulate that a conviction cannot rely solely on the word of a cooperating witness. Instead, such testimony must be corroborated by independent evidence, such as material or documentary proof, and crucially, not by the testimony of another cooperating witness. This shift from the prosecutor's discretion to judicial decision-making on benefits for cooperating individuals could diminish the incentive for individuals to come forward, potentially hindering investigations into serious crimes. Legal experts suggest this could be a politically motivated move, designed to make convictions more difficult in sensitive cases.

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Nehľadeli sme na žiadne kauzy, súčasné či minulé.

Beyond the legal sphere, the article highlights a significant setback for the planned reconstruction of the military hospital in Prešov. The project, slated to receive 195 million euros from the EU's recovery plan, is now in jeopardy because the construction has not met the deadline for completing the main structure by the end of August. This failure means the funds may be reallocated to other hospital projects, with those in Martin and Banská Bystrica reportedly being the frontrunners to receive the much-needed investment. This situation underscores the challenges in executing large-scale infrastructure projects within the allocated timelines and funding mechanisms.

While the focus remains on domestic legal and infrastructure issues, the broader context touches upon international dynamics, including China's potential leverage in the Hormuz crisis and the push for renewable energy in surrounding states. The piece also briefly mentions other news items, such as a report on Strnad's company, Volkswagen's new electric vehicle, and a notable performance by a Slovak football player, Hancko. From a Slovak perspective, the legislative changes regarding cooperating witnesses are particularly significant, given their potential impact on high-profile corruption cases that have gripped the nation's attention.

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Nehľadeli sme na žiadne kauzy, súčasné či minulé.