Former Police Chief Olaj Defends Against Abuse of Office Charges

Former police director Anton Olaj is on trial for four criminal offenses, including violating trade union rights and abusing his official position. Olaj, who served as the general director of police during the previous Janez Janša government, appeared in court on June 17, 2026, to defend himself against the charges.

The proceedings at the District Court in Ljubljana focused on Olaj's alleged obstruction of trade union rights, which the prosecution claims occurred from October onwards. Olaj, who holds a doctorate from the European Faculty of Law, presented a lengthy defense, speaking for nearly an hour and a half. He limited his responses to questions posed by the presiding judge and his defense attorney, Branka Zobec Hrastar.

The case involves one count of violating the rights to participate in the management of trade union rights and three counts of abuse of official position and authority. The prosecution is being led by Primož Suknaič from the Special State Prosecutor's Office, which investigates and prosecutes officials with special authorizations. The court heard details of how Olaj allegedly hindered the exercise of trade union rights.