Slovakia’s courts will revisit a high-profile case involving a businessman accused of masterminding the murder of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée, Martina Kušnírová. Marian Kočner, a prominent figure in Slovak business circles, was acquitted of ordering the killings, but the prosecution has appealed the verdict. Kuciak’s reporting had exposed corruption and tax evasion among Slovakia’s elite, and his murder in 2018 sparked widespread protests and calls for justice.
The case has significant implications for Slovakia’s struggle against corruption and its commitment to press freedom. Kuciak’s work had focused on the intersection of business and politics, and his reporting had threatened to expose Kočner’s alleged corrupt dealings. The retrial will examine evidence and testimony from key figures, including those already sentenced for their roles in the murders.
