PM Fico to File Complaint Against Judge Záleská for Abuse of Power

The Slovak judicial system is once again at the center of a political storm, as Prime Minister Robert Fico has declared his intention to file a criminal complaint against Judge Pamela Záleská of the Specialized Criminal Court. This move, announced on Friday, stems from Fico's assertion that Záleská exhibited bias in her handling of the case involving former special prosecutor Dušan K. The Prime Minister specifically referenced a Supreme Court decision from December 2025, which overturned earlier rulings by both the Supreme Court and the Specialized Criminal Court in K.'s case. Fico's accusation centers on the suspicion that Záleská abused her authority as a public official, driven by personal animosity towards the defendant.

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I can assure the broad professional and lay public that as the president of the court, I have duly familiarized myself with the cited decision of the appellate senate of the NS SR in the case of the accused JUDr. D. K., PhD.

In response to the Prime Minister's allegations, Michal Truban, the President of the Specialized Criminal Court, has assured the public that he is taking the matter seriously. Truban stated that he has thoroughly reviewed the Supreme Court's decision and is currently analyzing the facts presented. He pledged to keep the public duly informed regarding his decision on whether to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Judge Záleská. This commitment to transparency is crucial, given the high-profile nature of the case and the public's interest in the integrity of the judiciary.

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The facts stated in the decision are currently being subjected to an analysis corresponding to the seriousness and scope of the established facts.

Judge Záleská herself has chosen not to directly address the Prime Minister's statements, maintaining that for a judge, the focus should remain on proceedings within the courtroom, not on public pronouncements or media coverage. This stance underscores the judiciary's principle of impartiality and its detachment from political discourse. Meanwhile, the case of Dušan K. has seen significant legal developments, including his conviction in May 2022 for accepting bribes and leaking case information, for which he was sentenced to eight years in prison and fined 100,000 euros. The subsequent Supreme Court decision in December 2025, which annulled these previous judgments, has created a complex legal landscape, prompting the current scrutiny of Judge Záleská's conduct.

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My decision on whether to file a disciplinary proposal will be duly and timely communicated to the public.