Rastislav Trnka challenges police procedure in 'Valentín' case

Rastislav Trnka, the Chairman of the Košice Self-Governing Region (KSK), is challenging the legality of police procedures regarding the delivery of an indictment in the 'Valentín' criminal case. Trnka has filed a motion to review the police's actions and intends to contact the Inspectorate of Internal Affairs, alleging that the timing of the police's attempts to serve him was politically motivated ahead of regional elections.

The case involves procurement issues related to snowplows and thermometers for the KSK between 2020 and 2021. Trnka claims that the police failed to use standard methods to reach him, noting that he is a highly visible public official and that they attempted delivery to an address where he has not resided for 15 years. Because the indictment could not be served, the District Court Námestovo issued an arrest warrant on August 27, which was subsequently canceled after Trnka personally appeared at the court on September 3 to collect the documents.

The Presidium of the Police Force has rejected allegations of political bias or intentionality. Police officials stated that they followed standard legal procedures, attempting to serve the documents at his registered permanent residence, his designated delivery address, and his workplace. They maintained that all actions were conducted in accordance with legislation and that the timing was a result of the ongoing legal proceedings.