Good evening. Here is the Friday, May 30 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.
Former Supreme Court head Štefan Harabin acquitted over pro-Russian comments following Ukraine invasion
Štefan Harabin arrives for the announcement of the verdict at the Specialised Criminal Court in Pezinok on May 30, 2025. (source: Jaroslav Novák)
The Specialised Criminal Court in Pezinok has acquitted Štefan Harabin, a former Supreme Court president and ex-minister of justice, of charges accusing him of approving Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the TASR newswire reports.
Harabin faced charges over statements he made on social media shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in which he said he would do the same as Russian President Vladimir Putin, referring to the "pacification of Nazis." The indictment, filed in June 2023, accused him of offences related to the defamation of nation, race and belief, as well as the approval of a criminal act.
In an interview published on the Russian propaganda website Sputnik on February 28, 2022, four days after Russia launched its all-out invasion of Ukraine, Harabin commented: "It is [...] the historical duty of the Russians to pacify the Nazis, who, with the indifferent consent of the West, have genocidally murdered almost 15,000 of their own civilians since 2014, just because they were Russian. Now it is a liberation mission of Russia in Ukraine in the direction of denazification from Hitler's gravediggers, Bandera's followers, in the governing structures."
Judge Ján Buvala ruled that Harabin’s statements do not constitute a criminal offence.
The court emphasised that its ruling was not an endorsement of Harabin’s views and asserted that it lacks jurisdiction to decide if Ukraine was subject to aggression, pointing out that no UN Security Council resolution on the matter existed.
Harabin denied any wrongdoing and described the charges as politically motivated.
According to the Sme daily, the prosecutor has already announced an appeal, and the case will be reviewed by Slovakia’s Supreme Court. Prosecutor Martin Nociar said the lower court adopted the defence’s legal arguments.
The pro-Russian Slovak National Party (SNS), which is part of the current Slovak governing coalition, welcomed the verdict, criticising the lengthy investigation and calling for reforms in criminal law and media regulations.
Pro-Russian and anti-Ukrainian sentiments similar to those expressed by Harabin are widespread among the most senior members of Slovakia's current government. Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár (Smer) last year echoed Harabin's demonstrably false claim that Ukrainian forces had "murdered" more than 14,000 people between 2014 and 2022. Prime Minister Robert Fico is on record as describing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as "the enemy of Slovakia" and Ukraine as "one of the most corrupt countries in the world".
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Weekend: Discover stunning hikes in the High Tatras, join Piešťany’s lively community breakfast, celebrate 15 years of Critical Mass bike rides in Bratislava and many other tips for how to energise your weekend!
Public trust: Universities and the Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAV) are among Slovakia's most-trusted institutions, a survey finds. Parliament and the courts? Not so much.
Centre of photography: While Banská Štiavnica in central Slovakia is a photogenic historical mining town in its own right, this summer it will once again become a hub of contemporary photography.
Tax collection: Despite a rising success rate in tax audits, Slovakia’s Financial Administration collected nearly €100 million less last year than in 2023. Find out why missed opportunities and staffing cuts could be costing the state big-time.
Opinion: Despite Europe’s rich cinematic heritage and rising festival success, Hollywood and Asian films dominate audiences – can European cinema unite to reclaim its cultural space?
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SLOVAK MATTERS
'Music in the veins': Unlock Slovak expressions that will surprise your friends
A concert at Bratislava's Randal Club. (source: Mario Marcinek)
Have you ever felt music flowing through your veins? Don’t worry – it’s nothing dangerous. When a Slovak says “music flows in my veins,” it simply means they love music deeply, much like the phrase “music in my heart.” If you’re at a Slovak concert and someone tells you the music is našľapaná, don’t be confused – it doesn’t mean the band is stomping around the stage (although they might be). The word literally means “marched on” or “treaded,” but Slovaks use it to describe music that’s packed with energy. Slovak can be confusing for non-natives, but also fascinating. Read on to discover more useful phrases and surprise your Slovak friends with your language skills!
EVENT FOR THE WEEKEND
Children’s Day festivities will light up Bratislava’s Old Town this Sunday
Face painting at an event celebrating International Children’s Day in SNP Park, Žilina, on June 1, 2024. (source: Daniel Stehlik)
This weekend on Sunday, June 1 kids all around the world celebrate Children's Day – and Slovakia is no exception. Spend the day with your children, siblings, cousins, grandchildren or friends in Bratislava's Old Town, where various activities are set to entertain the youngest residents and guests of the Slovak capital and its suburbs. Children can enjoy a charming film at Pistori Palace, build their own boat in a workshop, or dance with Laci Strike and the Street Dance Academy on Hviezdoslavovo Square. More details about this and other activities to do this weekend can be found in The Slovak Spectator’s Top 10 events.
IN OTHER NEWS
The 46th Turf Gala racing meeting takes place on Sunday, 1 June at Bratislava Racecourse, featuring 56 top horses from Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Austria. Among them, 25 Slovak-trained horses will compete for a €103,000 prize fund, including owner and breeder bonuses. Five-time ‘Stable of the Year’ MPL Racing will compete, with owner Miroslav Piskla praising Turf Gala as the region’s top racing event and his star mount Ryan as Slovakia’s most successful racehorse. Trainer Marián Štangel hopes his horses Bella Mimi and Iwanhoe will finish in the top three. (TASR)
A recent Microsoft global survey reveals that 69 percent of teenagers have faced at least one cyberattack in the past year, with fears growing over AI being used for scams and sexual abuse. Girls report more sexual threats, with 23 percent affected last year, while 36 percent of teens encounter hate speech and 28 percent face graphic violence online. Many block or report offenders, but nearly half of those who don’t report believe it won’t change anything. Although 63 percent of parents recognise the risks their teens face online, only 41 percent feel ready to discuss these dangers. Young adults aged 18-24 value AI tools like language translation but worry about AI-generated scams, deepfakes and identity theft. The survey highlights the urgent need for better education and open discussion of online safety among young people, parents and schools. (SITA)
Mobile service prices in Slovakia are among the highest in the EU, says the Slovak Telecommunications Union (TÚSR), blaming weak competition and the lack of virtual mobile operators (MVNOs). The TÚSR urges the regulator to pause the current frequency auction until MVNO access is guaranteed. Without action, the market could stay closed until 2048, keeping prices high, it warns – and highlights Austria’s success with MVNOs, which cut prices by 20 percent. The TÚSR is calling on the public to support its appeal to push for change. (SITA)
A figurine belonging to ex-minister Štefan Harabin is pictured during the court announcement of his acquittal on charges of defamation of nation, race and belief, and of approving a criminal act on 30 May 2025. The Russian text on the doll reads "We can't be overcome". (TASR) (source: Jaroslav Novák)
As of 31 March 2025, Slovakia's population stood at 5,415,978, a decrease of 6,689 compared to the same period last year. In the first quarter, 10,342 babies were born – 1,299 fewer than the previous year – while 14,231 people died, slightly fewer than last year. Women made up 51.08 percent of the population, according to the Statistical Office. The natural population decline was 3,889, deepening by 1,251 compared to Q1 2024. Overall population loss reached 3,473, up by 1,453 from last year. Net migration added 416 people, down by 202 from the previous year. (TASR)
SUMMER IS HERE, WEATHER FOR THE WEEKEND: Temperatures will rocket across Slovakia this weekend, to between 24°C and 29°C. On Sunday, parts of the country – particularly in western Slovakia and some areas of Banská Bystrica Region – may see highs of up to 32°C. However, occasional showers and thunderstorms are also forecast, especially on Sunday. Due to the increased storm risk, the Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMÚ) has issued a Level 1 warning for the entire country. With the sun comes a burst of potentially harmful UV rays: don't forget to slap on some sunscreen to protect your skin. (SHMÚ)
WEEKEND PARTY TIME: This weekend, Petrana and Petronela, Žaneta and — last but not least — Xénia and Oxana are marking their name days. Don’t forget to send your best wishes: Petrana and Petronela on Saturday (31 May), Žaneta on Sunday (1 June), and Xénia along with Oxana on Monday (2 June).
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