Rudolf Vaský (source: SITA)
It has been five years since controversial YouTubers Martin Daňo and Rudolf Vaský spent Christmas and New Year behind bars after wielding metal rods while making threatening statements. Now, they face new legal troubles stemming from their inflammatory content.
Rudolf Vaský was fined €200 in 2022 for his talk of a “rebar revolution,” but investigations into the duo’s activities continued until last year, writes daily Sme. Prosecutors in Bratislava have now filed charges against both men for a staggering 24 offences, including incitement, contempt of court, defamation, and the unauthorised handling of personal data. Convictions could result in two- to three-year prison sentences, though conditional penalties remain possible.
In the indictment obtained by Sme, prosecutor Martin Sýkora described the case as “grossly exceeding the boundaries of decency and social coexistence,” calling their actions “socially unacceptable.”
The duo’s incendiary rhetoric targeted a wide array of public figures, including former president Andrej Kiska, Prime Minister Robert Fico, PS MEP Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, media personalities, and even convicted mobster Marian Kočner, who is believed to be the mastermind of the murders of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová. Their internet show, “Takže tak”, regularly aired derogatory commentary, labelling politicians and journalists as “filth” and “bastards.”
Daňo and Vaský’s controversial antics included trespassing, public threats, and graphic descriptions of violence. One infamous rant by Vaský envisioned “blood and brains splattered everywhere,” while Daňo once suggested storming Fico’s residence and throwing furniture out the windows.
Further complicating matters, Daňo reportedly received financial support from Kočner, an allegation backed by ex-intelligence agent Peter Tóth, who claimed the payments totalled €4,000 per month. The relationship culminated in a fawning interview with Kočner shortly after Kuciak and his fiancée were murdered.
The case involves 33 complainants, and the trial, overseen by Judge Andrea Vodičková, is yet to be scheduled. For now, the spotlight remains on Daňo, who recently entered a Bratislava school in pursuit of details about a student who made headlines earlier this week for refusing to shake hands with President Pellegrini.
Daňo began his public life as an activist, styling himself as an independent journalist. In 2014, he ran for the European Parliament under the banner and attempted to stand for mayor of Humenné. Five years later, he took a more ambitious leap, announcing his candidacy for president of Slovakia. Daňo received over 11,000 votes in the election. His career has been marred by legal controversies. Daňo faced charges of defaming former transport minister Ján Počiatek (Smer), although he was not convicted. In 2019, he was accused of tax fraud related to suspicious VAT deductions, but once again avoided conviction. In December 2019, Daňo and his associate Vaský were detained for making violent threats. The court banned both men from publishing videos or contributing to any media content. In April 2020, Vaský was rearrested for violating this ban, leading to his return to custody.
