Former Slovak Chief Justice Stefan Harabin charged with supporting Russian invasion of Ukraine

Bratislava –

Former Minister of Justice who is also the former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court SlovakiaStefan Harabin has been charged with a post praising Russian invasion of Ukraine. Harabin also faces up to 3 years in prison if convicted.

As reported by AFP, Tuesday (6/6/2023), the Slovak Prosecutor’s Office said Harabin was charged because, a day after Russian troops entered Ukraine on February 24, 2022, wrote on Facebook that he would do the exact same thing as (Russian President Vladimir) Putin . A spokesperson for the Chief Prosecutor’s Office in Slovakia, Zuzan Drobova, said that Harabin was charged with defamation of nationality, race and persuasion, and supporting crimes.

However, he declined to provide further details as criminal proceedings were still ongoing. Meanwhile, the Dennik N daily said Harabin faced three years in prison if convicted.

Harabin also said, on Monday (5/6), that he was proud of his statement. He also did not hesitate to repeat his statement because he believed that Russia was acting in accordance with international law.

Harabin also claimed in a video interview posted on YouTube that it was Russia’s duty to exterminate all Ukrainian Nazis.

“They have killed 14,000 children, women and elderly people in the Donbass since 2014,” Harabin said.

To note, Harabin also served two terms as chairman of the Supreme Court and ran for president in the 2019 ballot. However, he was defeated by Zuzana Caputova who is the current head of state.

He has repeatedly drawn criticism for sharing fake migrant-related news on Facebook and criticizing European Union sanctions against Russia. Slovakia, a European Union nation of 5.4 million people, has provided Ukraine with substantial humanitarian and military assistance since Russia invaded.

(country/country)