BRATISLAVA, August 27, (WEBNOVINY) — Negligent politicians will face punishment of up to five years in prison, as stipulated in an amendment to the Penal Code that will take effect as of early September. The amendment places criminal responsibility on political figures and public officials who cause significant damage to the state or to health of individuals because of their neglect. Such public officials or politicians might be sentenced to five years in jail. However, deputy amending proposals changed the paragraph on liability of public officials in order to make neglect punishable only in the event that public officials know that their inactivity may lead to damages and if the area where damages were incurred is under their jurisdiction. OKS MP Peter Osusky of the MOST-HID caucus succeeded to incorporate in the amendment inked by the president also a paragraph on the so-called Jachymov lie, according to which denying crimes of the communist regime, would become a criminal offense in Slovakia. Both the Auschwitz and Jachymov lie, denying Nazi crimes and the crimes of communist regimes, will be punishable with six months to three years in prison.
The norm introduces tougher punishment for torturing animals. A new paragraph about neglected care for animals had been added to the legislation. The revision is to prevent abuse of health problems to excuse the absence of witnesses and the indicted during criminal proceedings. This is expected to accelerate the work of courts. The law further defines a new criminal conduct, election corruption.
SITA