Radio Slovakia International

Extremists Should Be Given Tougher Sentences

RSI

Extremists are to be given tougher sentences, according to the new Penal Code amendment proposed by the Justice Ministry on Tuesday. The amendment includes among other things, definitions of an extremist group, extremist material or extremist motive, as well as individual acts of extremism. There are also adjustments to the classification of offences involving violence against groups of people and rioting.
Opposition MP and former Justice Minister Daniel Lipsic, considers the amendment to be useless. He said that tougher penalties in connection with extremism were also extended to the production, ownership and spreading of child pornography, which is inappropriate. He adds that there isn’t a single case on the books in Slovakia that couldn’t be prosecuted on the basis of existing legislation. Mojmir Mamojka, a member of the judicial committee and a Smer-SD MP, says that he disagrees with Lipsic, as the Penal Code also has a deterrent function apart from setting penalties. He said that legislation must react to the phenomena of extremism, which often occur at cultural and sporting events in Europe.