Holeckova Submits Bill to Curtail Power of Justice Minister to Release Convicts

Bratislava, September 6 (TASR) - It should be mandatory for any decision by the justice minister to release a convicted person from prison to be examined by a court, according to a proposal by MP Martina Holeckova (KDH) in an amendment to the Penal Code submitted to Parliament. According to Holeckova, the amendment is necessary for bolstering the rule of law, protecting the rights of the convicted and improving public trust in the judicial system. "Under existing legislation, the Justice Minister has the power to propose the suspension of prison sentences of convicted people, and this decision can be taken without any judicial oversight. However, such ministerial power could lead to subjective decisions," reads the text of the amendment. The bill seeks to increase the transparency and objectivity of the decision-making process and also to strengthen the principle of the division of democratic power between individual branches. "The proposed change will ensure that a decision to release a convicted person from prison will be taken by an independent court," said Holeckova, adding that this will ensure objectivity and neutralize political influence. mf/df