Jozef Holjenčík (source: SITA)
Jozef Holjenčík, who is officially leaving the leading post at the Regulatory Office for Network Industries (ÚRSO), has submitted a criminal complaint on the Denník N daily. He objects to the story with a published recording of a conversation between him and representatives of the water management companies.
“The regulator’s head submits the criminal complaint concerning untrue statements against Denník N as a private person,” ÚRSO informed in a press release, as quoted by the daily.
Holjenčík claims that the reporter created a false impression that he had abused his position as ÚRSO head and may defame him.
The recording is unwarranted, while the statements in the story are misleading and attack his person, he said, adding they interfere with his constitutional right for protection of personality, as well as his “civil honour and human dignity including the right of honour in professional circles and seriousness of the position of the office’s head”, as reported by Denník N.
Holjenčík officially leaves the post on February 8, following the scandal with energy prices.
SaS submits complaint as well
Meanwhile, MPs for the opposition Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) Jana Kiššová and Karol Galek submitted a criminal complaint against an unknown perpetrator of the energy scandal to the General Prosecutor’s Office.
“A voice similar to Jozef Holjenčík, the representative of the independent and impartial regulatory authority, advised the companies active in network industries how to increase energy prices,” the MPs said, as quoted by the TASR newswire.
He allegedly also incited the suppliers of water management companies to fraudulent behaviour and machinations, price formation and indirectly conditioned the possibility of increasing the distribution fees by preparing expert opinions from subjects close to him, they added.
Moreover, the published recording suggests that the person with the voice similar to Holjenčík’s does not act in the public interest and is pursuing his own personal benefit. The MPs referred to the fact that many expert opinions were given by the Martin-based company JHS, which Holjenčík founded in 1998. They say he may still control the firm, as reported by TASR.
As a result, they have requested the launch of a criminal prosecution for abusing the powers of a public official.
