The recent acquittal of businessman Marián Kočner in the retrial over the 2018 murder of journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová has sent shockwaves through Slovakia and beyond. This verdict, the second of its kind, highlights the deep flaws within the country’s justice system and raises further concerns about the state of democracy and the fight against corruption. It is a bitter blow to justice and a stark reminder that the battle for truth and accountability is far from over.

The facts of the case surrounding the murder of Ján Kuciak and Martina Kušnírová are grim. Kuciak, a 27 year-old investigative journalist, was killed while uncovering possible government corruption and exposing the dark underbelly of Slovakian society. He was looking into relations between politicians and business, specifically links between senior government advisers and the Italian ‘Ndrangheta mob. On top of that, he had already written and published nine stories about Marián Kočner, Slovak businessman, convicted criminal, and Kuciak’s accused killer. Evidence brought forward in the trial showed that Kočner verbally threatened Kuciak prior to his death. Alena Zsuzsová, Kočner’s associate, has already been sentenced to 25 years in prison for acting as an intermediary in the killings. A man convicted of assisting in the murders said in court that Zsuzsová claimed that Kočner ordered the murders. Yet, despite overwhelming evidence and testimonies implicating Marián Kočner, the court shockingly ruled him not guilty.

The acquittal of Kočner is a severe miscarriage of justice. It sends a dangerous message that powerful individuals can evade accountability and silence those who dare to challenge their authority. Worse, it is not the first time this verdict has been issued. Kočner was acquitted of the same crime in September 2020. The Supreme Court of Slovakia ordered a retrial, saying that the lower court failed to properly assess evidence. And the case still is not yet done, as both the defense and the prosecution have the ability to appeal this most recent verdict. What makes the injustice particularly notable, is that Zsuzsová and three other defendants, including the hitman who admitted to firing the gun, have already been found guilty and sentenced in this case. In SME’s live broadcast outside the court building, Kuciak’s father said, “I absolutely don’t understand this. Zsuzsová found guilty, Kočner innocent.” This verdict undermines the trust in the justice system and raises concerns about the depth of corruption that may be present.

The murder of Ján Kuciak and the subsequent investigation have had far-reaching consequences for Slovakian democracy. The revelation of potential links between politicians, business figures, and organized crime has shaken public trust in the political establishment. Mass protests followed Kuciak’s death, 60,000 people on the streets in Bratislava alone, the largest demonstration since the Velvet Revolution. Protests were held in 48 towns and cities in Slovakia: the people are angry and demand justice. Shortly after the murders, Prime Minister Fico resigned. The collapse of the coalition government headed by populist Prime Minister Robert Fico was seen as a turning point, a chance to clean up the system and usher in a new era of accountability. However, the recent resurgence of Fico’s Smer party and the political infighting leading to the fall of the new coalition government raise concerns about the future of anti-corruption efforts.

The acquittal of Marián Kočner serves as a stark reminder that the fight against corruption and the pursuit of justice are ongoing battles. It is imperative that the Slovakian authorities thoroughly examine the shortcomings in the justice system and address them urgently. The prosecution will appeal this verdict to ensure that justice is served, and those responsible for the heinous crimes against Ján Kuciak and Martina Kušnírová are held accountable. Moreover, media organizations and international institutions must rally together to support the ongoing efforts to combat corruption and protect the freedom of the press. The voices of journalists like Kuciak, who fearlessly expose wrongdoing, must not be silenced. They play a vital role in upholding democracy, promoting transparency, and holding those in power accountable.

Ján Kuciak was the first journalist murdered in Slovakia since the country’s independence, it is no wonder that his death and the subsequent trial have left such an impact. The acquittal of Marián Kočner in the retrial of the murder of Ján Kuciak and Martina Kušnírová is a severe blow to justice and democracy. It highlights the urgent need for reform within Slovakia’s justice system and serves as a wake-up call for those fighting against corruption. The battle for justice is far from over, and the international community must stand in solidarity with the Slovakian people as they continue their struggle for a more transparent, accountable, and just society.