Sutaj Estok Denies Interfering in Independent Investigation by UIS

Bratislava, April 22 (TASR) - Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok (Voice-SD) has denied interfering in the independent investigation by the Internal Affairs Inspectorate (UIS), Interior Ministry's spokesman Matej Neumann has told TASR in reaction to criticism by opposition politicians after a criminal prosecution in the case of a leaked video featuring detained assailant Juraj C was dropped. "He sees no relevant reason to accept political responsibility," said Neumann in connection with the minister, calling statements by the opposition politicians fabricated. He thinks that they are obviously concerned about the results of the investigation into the assassination attempt on Premier Robert Fico (Smer-SD). Some opposition representatives have criticised the security forces for failing to investigate properly a leaked video featuring detained assailant Juraj C. shortly after he shot Premier Fico multiple times in May 2024. MP Juraj Krupa (Freedom and Solidarity/SaS) believes that the top management of UIS and the Slovak Intelligence Service (SIS) should step down from their posts, while the interior minister should also accept political responsibility. Former interior minister and MP Roman Mikulec ('Slovakia' party, For the People, Christian Union/KU) pointed to media reports that a police officer — at the time a member of the Office for the Protection of Constitutional Officials — admitted to recording the video. Juraj C. shot the premier multiple times and left him seriously injured during a government away-from-home session in the village of Handlova on May 15, 2024. Juraj C. was initially charged with an aggravated crime of premeditated attempted murder. In July 2024, the legal classification was changed to an aggravated crime of a terrorist attack. The prosecution filed an indictment against him in March. He's currently in custody and faces a life sentence if convicted. ko/df