Opposition Concerned Over Police Violence and Death of Person in Custody

Bratislava, November 12 (TASR) - The opposition voiced its concerns over an incident, in which a police officer beat an apprehended person in custody to death, with PS urging Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok (Voice-SD) to start addressing the problem of police violence, whereas KDH intends to initiate a session of the House Defence and Security Committee to that effect. "It's unacceptable for the people to be afraid of the misuse of physical power by those who are supposed to protect them. We've witnessed this behaviour in Kosice repeatedly. Apparently, it's a systemic problem. Unless Interior Minister Sutaj Estok starts to address it without delay, this might irreversibly erode public trust in the police," stated MP Zuzana Mesterova (PS). Because of this, PS plans to discuss the issue at the next session of the House Human Rights Committee, to which Interior Minister Estok is invited. The Christian Democrats also commented on the case on Tuesday, urging authorities to investigate the incident and take action without delay, as they believe that there are growing instances of police brutality. "Following the changes conducted by Interior Minister Sutaj Estok, the situation in the Police Corps is alarming. The minister is busy carrying out 'normalisation' and purges in the police, but fails to address the reduced capability of the state to protect its own citizens," they stated. KDH plans to initiate a session of the House Defence and Security Committee, to which Sutaj Estok and police chief Lubomir Solak should be summoned. MP Veronika Remisova ('Slovakia'-For the People-KU) voiced her concern over the situation as well. "Police violence is unacceptable under the democratic rule of law. It's the responsibility of the Interior Minister and the Police Corps President to ensure that police operate professionally and in compliance with the law. I expect the minister to explain the repeated police brutality to the people and demonstrate that they're capable of assuming responsibility," said Remisova. On November 5, a Kosice-based police officer caused multiple injuries to an individual in custody and the victim died the next day in hospital. If found guilty, the officer might receive 12-15 years in jail. mf/mcs