Former leader of the Slovak National Party (SNS) Slota has been charged with driving under the influence of an addictive substance. Since he refused to undergo a breathalyser and blood tests, he was automatically considered to be drunk. Yet, he was released from custody only a few hours after his detention. Moreover, thanks to the district prosecutor he might also avoid a super-fact-tracked hearing, which in similar cases lasts less than 48 hours, the Sme daily reported on May 11.
“There was no reason for custody, and there also will be no super-fact-tracked hearing,” said Milan Cisarik, spokesperson for the regional prosecutor’s office in Žilina, as quoted by Sme.
Cisarik did not explain the reasons for Slota’s release. He only said that an agreement was made with the police officers. Yet, Police Corps President Tibor Gašpar said he was surprised that such an agreement was made, saying that only the prosecutor can file a proposal to initiate a fact-tracked proceeding, which he had not done.
It is now possible that the proceeding will last about two months.
Moreover, Cisarik said that even though Slota faces punishment of one year in prison, he might only receive a fine and a ban from driving a vehicle for up to 10 years, which he explained are common punishments for similar cases, the SITA newswire reported on May 10.
Source: Sme, SITA
For more information about this story please see: Slota detained by police
Compiled by Radka Minarechová from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
