Daniel Bombic, a Slovak extremist known for racist, antisemitic, and homophobic rhetoric, was extradited from the UK to Slovakia under three international arrest warrants. Instead of facing pre-trial detention for extremism, cyberbullying, and doxing, he was swiftly released without restrictions—despite a clear flight risk and ongoing threats to public figures. He was flown to Slovakia aboard a Slovak special government plane, further fuelling speculation of political favouritism. His legal counsel, David Lindtner, is a close advisor to Prime Minister Robert Fico and a partner in Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák’s law firm, raising serious concerns over judicial manipulation. The case was handled by Judge Peter Pulman, known for rulings favourable to Fico’s allies, further fuelling speculation of political interference.
In early December 2024, a Bratislava court barred liberal newspaper Denník N from calling Bombic a neo-Nazi, extremist, or antisemite—despite extensive evidence of his hate speech—sparking outrage over judicial interference to protect him while silencing critical media. Bombic’s extremist platform has hosted senior government figures, including Fico, Kaliňák, Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok, and multiple MPs, despite his well-documented hate speech and harassment campaigns. His social media, banned from major platforms, remains a hub for far-right propaganda and doxing, leading human rights groups to warn of increased fear among targeted individuals. The Slovak Supreme Court will review his case, but his release—despite British authorities deeming him dangerous enough to be monitored with an ankle bracelet—suggests Slovakia’s ruling elite is prioritising political loyalty over justice, further eroding the rule of law.
Three International Warrants and Years on the Run
Bombic, who lived in the United Kingdom for over two decades under the alias “Dany Kollár,” was subject to three international arrest warrants for promoting extremism, hate speech, and online harassment. His social media activity targeted journalists, healthcare professionals, and public officials, publishing their personal details to encourage harassment. Despite his long record of online abuse, British authorities allowed him to remain in the UK with an electronic ankle monitor until he was extradited to Slovakia in late January 2025.
Rather than being transported via commercial airline under police escort, as is typical for extradited individuals, Bombic was flown to Slovakia aboard a government jet. This led to speculation that his transfer was coordinated to ensure preferential treatment upon arrival.
Released Without Restrictions Despite Flight Risk
Upon his return, Bombic was taken to the Specialised Criminal Court in Pezinok, where Judge Peter Pulman ruled that, while the charges against him were legitimate, there was no reason to keep him in custody. This decision contradicted the prosecution’s request for pre-trial detention due to concerns that Bombic might evade justice or continue his extremist activities. The prosecutor has appealed, and the Supreme Court is set to rule on the case on 6 February.
Bombic’s legal representation is led by David Lindtner, a long-time ally of Prime Minister Robert Fico and a partner in the law firm co-owned by Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák. Lindtner is also an advisor to Fico, highlighting a direct connection between Bombic’s defence and Slovakia’s top political figures.
Government Figures Support an Extremist
Bombic enjoys significant backing from high-ranking members of the Slovak government. Prior to his extradition, he maintained a strong online presence and hosted discussions with senior political figures, including:
• Robert Fico (Prime Minister)
• Robert Kaliňák (Minister of Defence)
• Matúš Šutaj Eštok (Minister of the Interior)
• Tibor Gašpar (Smer MP, former Police President)
• Rudolf Huliak (SNS MP)
• Judita Laššáková (Smer MEP)
These officials have participated in Bombic’s Telegram broadcasts, despite his history of racist, homophobic, and antisemitic rhetoric. Bombic has also been visited in London by Lukáš Machala, a high-ranking official in the Ministry of Culture, further underscoring his links to the ruling coalition.
Pattern of Favourable Legal Outcomes
In early December 2024, a Bratislava court barred liberal newspaper Denník N from calling Daniel Bombic a neo-Nazi, extremist, or antisemite—despite extensive evidence of his hate speech. Issued without consulting the newspaper, the ruling has been condemned as a blatant attempt to shield an extremist with deep ties to Robert Fico’s government while silencing critical journalism. Former Constitutional Court President Ján Mazák warned that the decision contradicts prior rulings identifying Bombic as an extremist and exposes the judiciary’s growing alignment with political interests.
The ruling is part of a broader pattern of judicial interference favouring Fico’s allies. While the government remained silent on the politically driven release of a convicted corrupt official, it swiftly acted to protect Bombic from media scrutiny. Denník N’s editor-in-chief, Matúš Kostolný, denounced the verdict, stating: “The banned words describe real behaviours—hate speech, incitement to violence, and threats against journalists.” Critics warn that Slovakia’s courts are increasingly serving as a tool for Fico’s government, prioritising political loyalty over democratic accountability.
Concerns have been raised about the judicial process leading to Bombic’s release. His hearing was assigned to Judge Peter Pulman, who has previously ruled in favour of Fico’s political allies. This has fuelled speculation that the case was deliberately steered towards a sympathetic judge to ensure a favourable outcome.
Bombic’s lawyer, David Lindtner, is closely connected to Slovakia’s top officials, particularly Defence Minister Kaliňák. This raises further concerns about undue influence over the judiciary, as Kaliňák has publicly defended Bombic, arguing that his actions do not constitute criminal offences but are instead “a victimisation of free speech.”
A History of Extremism and Online Harassment
Bombic built his following by producing aggressive content attacking government critics, LGBTQI+ individuals, and ethnic minorities. An analysis of his social media posts found that between 2021 and 2024, he made:
• 129 antisemitic statements
• 111 racist comments
• 112 posts ridiculing LGBTQI+ people
• 300 posts containing hate speech
• 46 cases of publishing private information (doxing)
His rhetoric has been linked to known neo-Nazi symbols, including the “white power” hand sign, which he frequently displays in photographs.
His activities have not only remained online but have led to real-world consequences. He has published the private information of journalists and police officers, leading to threats and harassment against them. Investigative journalist Zuzana Kovačič Hanzelová is among his many targets, and NGOs report that individuals fearing Bombic have sought protection from authorities.
Public Statement of Journalist Zuzana Kovačič Hanzelová
Disclaimer: This English translation accurately reflects the explicit and vulgar language used in the original Slovak statement.
“Over the years, he has called me a dumb bitch, said I fuc*ed my way through my career, called me a w*ore and a c*nt. He has posted photos of me sitting in public places and even published my home address. For years, he has incited his followers against me. I will not be surprised if one day one of them snaps and tries to hurt me,” wrote the distressed journalist, adding that Bombic spreads a level of hatred she has never encountered before.
“He performs Nazi salutes, harasses people, bullies, denies the Holocaust, and rants about ‘Zionists’ and Jews. He even claims dinosaurs never existed. About me, he spread lies that I had undergone three abortions, that I was infertile, and that I was faking my pregnancy. He claimed my daughter was carried by a surrogate mother. At the end of 2024, he even published my phone number, after which his followers messaged me, wishing my child would be born disabled,” Kovačič Hanzelová revealed.
“We have a two-and-a-half-month-old baby. I have always felt safe in Bratislava. After today, we will have to take precautions. All I can do now is hope that the Supreme Court will assess the detention of this aggressor differently. Keep your fingers crossed for us on 6 February.”
Political Protection Raises Broader Concerns
Bombic’s preferential treatment fuels broader concerns about the erosion of the rule of law in Slovakia under Fico’s government. His case highlights a dangerous precedent where extremist figures aligned with the ruling coalition appear to receive leniency from the judicial system.
Human rights organisations have voiced alarm, questioning why a man who was considered dangerous enough to be monitored in the UK was released without restrictions in Slovakia. The Institute for Human Rights (IĽP) reports an increase in complaints from citizens fearing Bombic’s return.
As Slovakia’s Supreme Court prepares to rule on his detention, the case serves as a test of the independence of the country’s judiciary. Critics argue that allowing Bombic to remain free sends a signal that political connections can override the legal system—an outcome with serious implications for democracy and media freedom in Slovakia.
Sources:
Veronika Prušová, Lucia Osvaldová | Denník
Topky.sk
Karolína Kiripolská, Petra Pavlovičová, Matej Kyjovský | ICJK.sk
