Prime Minister Robert Fico’s government is facing accusations of undermining Slovakia’s judiciary by targeting Supreme Court Judge Juraj Kliment, a long-serving jurist known for his involvement in high-profile corruption cases. Kliment, who has been outspoken in his criticism of government interference, is now the subject of a disciplinary case widely viewed as a politically motivated attempt to silence him and intimidate other judges, raising serious concerns about the erosion of judicial independence in this European Union member state.
Judge Juraj Kliment, one of Slovakia’s most experienced Supreme Court justices, is at the centre of a high-profile dispute that underscores the growing tension between the judiciary and the government of Prime Minister Robert Fico. With 25 years of service, Kliment has been involved in some of the country’s most politically sensitive cases. His rulings have often drawn the ire of Fico’s Smer-SD party, which has accused him of bias and even labelled him as a judge working for political opponents.
The government’s targeting of Kliment escalated after his 2022 decision to place Marek Para, a lawyer and adviser to Fico, in pre-trial detention. Para was accused of working with organised crime to discredit a prosecutor. Fico and Para publicly criticised Kliment following the ruling, with Fico even calling for the judge to resign. Shortly thereafter, Justice Minister Boris Susko filed a disciplinary motion against Kliment, seeking his removal from the judiciary.
Kliment and his defence team argue that the case is politically motivated and designed to intimidate judges handling cases tied to government figures. They warn that the move represents a broader attempt to undermine judicial independence, sending a message to the judiciary to align with the government’s interests or face consequences. Kliment has described the disciplinary motion as part of a campaign to weaken the judiciary, while also noting that such actions have already made his colleagues more cautious in politically sensitive cases.
This case is emblematic of a larger trend in Slovakia under Fico’s leadership, where the judiciary is increasingly subject to political pressure. Kliment, a frequent target of criticism from Smer-SD, has long been an outspoken advocate for judicial independence. Despite the government’s attacks, he continues to defend his decisions as lawful and consistent with democratic principles.
International observers are watching the case closely, as it raises concerns about the erosion of judicial independence in a European Union and NATO member state. The targeting of Kliment reflects broader issues in Slovakia’s political system, where democratic norms are under strain. The outcome of this case will signal whether Slovakia remains committed to the rule of law or is sliding further toward political control over its judiciary.
Source: Veronika Prušová | DenníkN
