MINISTRY STRONGLY PROTESTS THE LIFTING OF DETENTION FOR SUSPECT ACCUSED OF THREATENING INSPECTOR WITH DEATH

The Ministry of Spatial Planning, Urbanism and State Property expresses a strong protest over the lifting of the measure detaining citizen E.R. for up to 72 hours. He is suspected of threatening a construction inspector with death on 21 October while the inspector was performing official duties on Kakaricka Gora, after, according to media reports, an appeal by his defense attorney was upheld. In this case, the inspector was acting within his legal authority in proceedings to remove a structure built without a construction permit on state-owned land. Such action is part of the state’s responsibility to protect the public interest and ensure that regulations apply equally to all citizens. It is unacceptable for the public to get the impression that threats and pressure against officials can be used with impunity to influence processes carried out by the state to protect state property and combat illegal construction. The Ministry respects the authority of the judicial bodies and does not wish to prejudge their work. Nevertheless, it considers it its duty to warn of the consequences such cases may have for citizens’ trust in institutions and the principle of equality before the law.