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Bratislava – Former Police Force President Peter Kovařík allegedly acted on the instructions of ex-minister of the Interior and Member of the European Parliament Roman Mikulec to halt a lawful intervention by a mobile intervention unit from Sobrance during the detention of several individuals in the summer of 2021. Mikulec revealed this facts on Wednesday during his testimony at Bratislava I, where Kovařík is facing charges related to the abuse of public office and obstruction of justice, charges he denies.
during Wednesday’s main hearing, the former Interior Minister clarified that he requested the then-Police President to verify the legality of the intervention, as the necessary consent was reportedly given orally to the Police Inspection.“I asked Peter Kovařík to ascertain whether the procedure was legal and to ensure the intervention proceeded in accordance with the law. He subsequently informed me that he had instructed a halt to the operation,” Mikulec stated. Minutes later, Kovařík allegedly told him he had reversed the order, allowing the intervention unit to continue. “Apparently, one individual was detained and handed over to the police,” he added.
Mikulec also addressed concerns about potential information leaks from the National criminal Agency (NAKA). He explained that protocols were established between investigators and prosecutors to prevent such breaches. Investigative team members reportedly faced pressure and were subjected to monitoring. According to Mikulec, the Slovak Information Service was also involved in disputes within the security forces.
Kovařík Contests Indictment, Maintains Innocence
The prosecutor has indicted Peter Kovařík for abuse of authority and obstruction of justice.The former Police President was charged in August 2021, accused of hindering an ongoing intervention and obstructing criminal proceedings involving Matej Zeman and Peter Petrov, led by the Inspection Team Arch. Kovařík has consistently described the prosecution as politically motivated and maintains his innocence.
Peter Kovařík initially assumed temporary leadership of the Police Force in September 2020. Following a selection process, he was officially appointed by then-Minister of the Interior Mikulec in January 2021. He resigned from his position on September 15, 2021.
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