Slovakia’s Prosecutor General, Maroš Žilinka, stands accused of undermining the country’s democratic foundations through selective legal interventions and troubling ties to Russian interests. In an explosive interview, senior investigator Ján Čurilla claims Žilinka has protected powerful political allies, collaborated with discredited intelligence officials, and taken actions that raise serious concerns about his independence and the rule of law.
In an exclusive interview conducted by Miro Kern, Slovak police officer Ján Čurilla sheds light on the actions of Prosecutor General Maroš Žilinka, accusing him of undermining Slovakia’s judiciary and democratic institutions. Čurilla, a senior investigator renowned for his work against organised crime, is currently facing retaliation by the government of Prime Minister Robert Fico, following his investigations into corruption allegations involving Fico’s inner circle.
Žilinka’s Controversial Use of Article 363
Maroš Žilinka serves as Slovakia’s Prosecutor General, a position he has held since 2020. He wields significant authority to annul prosecutions under the controversial Article 363 of the Slovak Criminal Code. This legal provision allows the Prosecutor General to dismiss cases before they go to trial. Critics argue that Žilinka has used Article 363 selectively to protect powerful allies, including former Prime Minister Robert Fico and ex-Interior Minister Robert Kaliňák. Both men faced charges related to corruption and abuse of power, which were dismissed under Žilinka’s authority. According to Čurilla, this pattern of intervention demonstrates that Žilinka’s office prioritises political allegiances over justice, undermining the rule of law.
In addition to these high-profile cases, Čurilla has also raised questions about Žilinka’s relationship with Slovakia’s domestic intelligence agency, the SIS (Slovenská informačná služba). The SIS has struggled with low public trust and a long-standing reputation for political interference since its inception. Čurilla alleges that Žilinka collaborated closely with Vladimír Pčolinský, the former SIS chief now under indictment, by bringing confidential prosecutorial files to the SIS’s private “cigar club” meeting space. He claims Pčolinský played a pivotal role in securing Žilinka’s appointment, favouring him over other candidates perceived as less pliable. According to Čurilla, this relationship could have made Žilinka susceptible to manipulation, with suspicions that Pčolinský recorded compromising material during their interactions. These alleged vulnerabilities, Čurilla argues, raise serious concerns about the independence of the Prosecutor General.
The Moscow Problem
Žilinka’s decision to sign a cooperation agreement with Russia’s Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov in 2022 drew sharp criticism. This move came amidst Russia’s war in Ukraine, at a time when Slovakia’s NATO and EU allies were imposing sanctions on Moscow and supporting Kyiv. According to Čurilla, this agreement was “reckless,” signalling a troubling alignment with authoritarian interests.
Prosecutor General’s Office of the Slovak Republic
While Čurilla’s interview focuses on Žilinka’s domestic actions, additional context regarding his ties to Russia further complicates the picture. For example, Žilinka ordered an investigation into alleged desecration at a First World War cemetery for Russian soldiers in Ladomirová, based on claims made by the Russian Embassy. Slovak police dismissed these allegations as propaganda, stating no improper actions had occurred and accusing the embassy of fabricating the story to incite tensions. Despite this, Žilinka echoed the embassy’s claims and proceeded with the investigation, which some critics interpreted as legitimising Russian disinformation.
Žilinka also opposed a Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) with the United States, which aimed to strengthen NATO’s presence in Slovakia. His office raised 35 objections, arguing that the agreement compromised Slovakia’s sovereignty and made the country a potential target for foreign adversaries. These objections mirrored narratives promoted by pro-Russian groups, intensifying suspicions about Žilinka’s alignment and political motivations
Čurilla’s testimony portrays Žilinka as a figure at the centre of a compromised judicial system. From allegations of political interference, ties to discredited institutions, and actions that align with authoritarian interests, the claims paint a troubling picture of Slovakia’s democratic governance under Žilinka’s tenure.
Source: Monika Tódová | Denník N
