According to some members of the opposition Smer-SD, the accused Nitra businessman Norbert Bödöra is innocent because the court has not yet legally ruled on his guilt.
This was stated by Robert Kaliňák, a member of the Smer-SD presidency, on Sunday’s TA3 television talk show, referring to the Institute of the Slovak Republic. “That’s the way it is in the constitution. Everyone is innocent until the final court decision. When you question it, you question the constitution.” Kaliňák emphasized. He admitted that he does not care how the Specialized Criminal Court (ŠTS) decides on Sunday in case of accusation of the businessman. However, he talks about the abuse of criminal law, according to him, the police are not independent. However, he told the coalition not to be afraid to investigate.
The Chairman of the Committee of the National Council (NR) of the Slovak Republic for Defense and Security Juraj Krúpa (OĽANO) admitted that in a way Kaliňák is right. “In a way, Mr. Kaliňák is right, de jure, these accused are still innocent unless a verdict is handed down,” Krupa said. However, according to Smer, the activities of the Direction lead to the fact that they try to protect the accused businessman and suggest that he persevere and not testify. According to him, topics are mixed to divert attention from other things.
On the margin of the referendum in connection with the defense agreement with the USA, Kaliňák remarked that Smer certainly does not overdo it with referendums. According to him, the contract was negotiated badly and those who negotiated it are ashamed of it and argue against the opposition. He strongly rejects claims that the party is lying about the contract. “The agreement should be negotiated better,” Kaliňák said, adding that in principle the country does not even need it, as well as if the Czech Republic does not have it. In connection with the contract, he speaks of an invitation. He is convinced that the contract needs to be discussed.
Krupa opposes that a treaty is needed, he reminded that 23 countries have it. He described the USA as the strongest ally with which Slovakia has long-established bilateral cooperation. “The agreement defines the legal framework we can do,” Krupa said, adding that it was a framework agreement. He stressed that the opposition is spreading lies and half-truths. However, he also emphasized that in the current debate on the political scene, we “currently let scientists and doctors breathe.”
Smer-SD party has not yet filed a notified criminal complaint against the interim police president Štefan Hamran, according to Kaliňák.
