After being caught stealing in a supermarket, a man in Košice died from severe injuries inflicted by a police officer, who has now been charged with manslaughter. The incident has sparked a national outcry over police accountability in Slovakia, prompting strong reactions from political leaders, rights advocates, and the Ombudsman, with urgent calls for reform.
Fatal Detention Incident Sparks Investigation and Charges
In a troubling development, a police officer in Košice has been charged with manslaughter following the death of a detainee. The incident, which took place under the security cameras of a hypermarket in Košice, occurred on 5 November, when the officer allegedly inflicted severe physical injuries on the detainee after detaining him, resulting in multiple head and facial injuries and a critical brain swelling. Despite emergency surgery to remove a blood clot, the individual succumbed to his injuries. The Police Inspectorate, assisted by a tactical unit as part of “Operation Exces,” detained two officers from a local precinct in Košice for questioning regarding the incident.
The Interior Ministry confirmed the incident and subsequent arrests, highlighting the seriousness with which authorities are treating this investigation. The Office of Police Inspection, tasked with ensuring oversight in cases involving police misconduct, is leading the inquiry. Initial charges against the officers included suspicion of abuse of power. However, following further investigation, one officer was charged with manslaughter, a serious charge carrying a potential sentence of up to 15 years.
Opposition Political Leaders Demand Accountability and Reform
In the wake of this fatal incident, politicians and advocacy groups have expressed grave concerns over police conduct and accountability measures. MP Vladimíra Marcinková of the Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) party strongly condemned the incident, stating on social media that police “collegiality has overshadowed the duty to serve citizens,” alluding to an internal culture that may enable such misconduct to go unchecked. Marcinková, who had recently investigated a separate case of police brutality in Košice, committed to pushing for police body and security cameras as a measure to prevent future abuse. According to sources, the detainee was initially held by store security personnel on suspicion of theft before being turned over to police, where the situation escalated in a private area of the store.
Meanwhile, the Christian Democratic Movement (KDH) has called for an emergency meeting of the Defence and Security Committee, asserting that recent governmental reforms have left the police force in a precarious state. According to KDH, the situation within the police is “alarming” and necessitates prompt oversight and accountability. This sentiment was echoed by the progressive Slovakia (PS) party, which criticised Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok, urging him to refocus from routine activities to address the serious issues facing the police force. PS also underscored the necessity for full accountability, emphasising that the incident reflects broader systemic challenges.
Human Rights Concerns and Institutional Reactions
The Ombudsman, Róbert Dobrovodský, expressed profound dismay, framing the incident as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by unchecked authority, especially with the approaching anniversary of the Day of the Fight for Freedom and Democracy. Emphasising the importance of human rights oversight, Dobrovodský advocated for recording all police actions involving the use of force, a measure aimed at curbing potential abuses of power. He reaffirmed his commitment to promoting preventative mechanisms to mitigate police violence.
Lucia Plaváková, head of the parliamentary Human Rights Committee and representative of the PS party, stated that the issue of police violence requires immediate and thorough examination. Calling the problem “systemic and long-standing,” she criticised the Interior Ministry for its failure to address police brutality decisively. The Human Rights Committee has summoned Minister Eštok to its upcoming session to provide clarity on the measures planned to prevent further incidents of this nature.
Interior Ministry’s Response and Future Measures
Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok has responded to the incident with a statement asserting that “the law applies equally to everyone, including police officers.” While he refrained from commenting on specific details of the case, Eštok assured the public of a fair and transparent investigation. Expressing personal regret over the incident, he mentioned that the ministry is advancing plans to equip officers with body cameras—a project that has long been discussed but not yet implemented.
Eštok’s reaction underscores his stance that such behaviour is “completely unacceptable” and pledged intensified preventative training for police officers since assuming his ministerial post. Nevertheless, he did not address questions about responsibility at higher levels of police leadership, nor did he comment on the issue of political accountability, despite growing calls for comprehensive reforms. Reports indicate that the officer in question had over 20 years of service with no significant previous infractions. The second officer, now cooperating with the Inspectorate, is reportedly assisting in the investigation by testifying against his colleague.
Parliamentary Committee to Convene for Further Investigation
Richard Glück, the new chairman of the Parliamentary Defence and Security Committee, announced a special committee meeting scheduled for Thursday, aimed at examining the recent death in Košice. Key figures, including Interior Minister Eštok, Police President Ľubomír Solák, and Police Inspectorate Head Branislav Zurian, are expected to attend to provide further insights into the incident and outline measures to address public concerns regarding police brutality.
The tragic event in Košice has reignited the debate around police brutality in Slovakia and brought systemic issues within law enforcement into sharp relief. The calls for reform, intensified monitoring, and greater accountability echo similar concerns raised internationally, highlighting a need for robust oversight mechanisms to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
Slovak authorities face mounting pressure to implement real change, with body cameras and independent oversight being pivotal components of the proposed reforms. The current administration’s response and the public’s reaction may shape the trajectory of policing standards and accountability in Slovakia, as the country grapples with ensuring that law enforcement aligns with democratic and human rights principles.
Source: Annamária Dömeová, Laura Kellö Kalinská | Aktuality.sk
