The Slovak Special Criminal Court has handed down a 25-year prison sentence to Alena Zsuzsova for her involvement in mediating the murder of investigative journalist Jan Kuciak and his girlfriend, Martina Kušnírová. The panel chairwoman, Ruzena Sabova, announced the verdict, highlighting Zsuzsova’s guilt in facilitating the planned murder of former elite prosecutor Maros Zilinka as well. This ruling also includes Zsuzsova’s previous sentence for her role in another murder case, for which she received 21 years in prison.

Previously, in September 2020, the Special Criminal Court had acquitted Zsuzsova of the same charges. However, the Supreme Court overturned the verdict in 2021, leading to a retrial. It is important to note that the latest verdict has not yet taken effect.

On the other hand, the court has once again acquitted Marian Kocner, a co-defendant, of ordering the murder of Kuciak. The court also acquitted former prosecutors Maros Zilinka and Peter Sufliarsky, as well as lawyer Daniel Lipsic, as their intended murders were not carried out. Notably, Zilinka currently holds the position of prosecutor general, while Lipsic heads the Special Prosecution Office.

The murder of Jan Kuciak, a prominent investigative journalist, and his fiancée in February 2018 shook the nation and led to widespread protests and a political crisis. Kuciak had been investigating the questionable business activities of Marian Kocner, a controversial businessman, which could have hindered Kocner’s political ambitions. Zsuzsova, believed to be Kocner’s mistress, was alleged to have helped him obtain compromising materials to exert control over Slovak politicians, prosecutors, judges, and police officials.

During the trial, the prosecution highlighted the frequent communication between Kocner and Zsuzsova, often employing coded messages through mobile applications. The attempted murder of Maros Zilinka was linked to his role as a prosecutor overseeing an investigation into Kocner’s alleged illegal acquisition of a company that he sought to influence—an issue that Kuciak had been reporting on. Lipsic, as a lawyer, was also involved in the same case.

The murder of Kuciak and its aftermath resulted in a political upheaval, leading to the resignation of then-Prime Minister Robert Fico in 2018. His party, Smer-SD, subsequently went into opposition following its defeat in the February 2020 general election. However, recent opinion polls indicate that Smer-SD is once again the most popular party in the country ahead of the upcoming snap general election scheduled for September.

The sentencing of Alena Zsuzsova represents a significant step towards justice in the murder case of Jan Kuciak and Martina Kušnírová. It serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding press freedom and protecting journalists who play a crucial role in uncovering corruption and holding those in power accountable.

Article by Prague Forum