Fico calls MOM-iek case procedure a scandal, Žilinka rejects dictate
Prime Minister Fico criticised Prosecutor General Žilinka over charges in the MOM-iek case. Žilinka has stated that the prosecution is not subject to political directives.
Fico vs. Žilinka: sharp exchange of views in the MOM-iek financing case
Prime Minister Robert Fico has called the prosecution's procedure in the case of fraudulent financing of MOM-iek facilities scandalous, according to Google News SK, citing reports from several Slovak media outlets including TA3 and SME.sk. Fico raised concerns about why an accused person was released within several hours of being charged.
The Prime Minister asked Prosecutor General Maroš Žilinka to explain the circumstances of the case and simultaneously called for a thorough investigation of fraud related to the financing of nurseries and childcare facilities.
Žilinka responded sharply to Fico's calls. According to a report from the Startitup.sk portal, the Prosecutor General told Fico that "the Prime Minister will not dictate when and how he is to make statements." The Prosecutor General also emphasised that the prosecution is not legally obliged to inform the public or the government about individual procedural steps in ongoing cases — as was also highlighted by the weekly journal Týždeň.
The MOM-iek case concerns suspicions of fraud in state financing of childcare facilities. The case is causing tension between the executive and independent bodies acting in criminal proceedings, with both sides maintaining their interpretation of legal competences.
Source: Google News SK