Robert Golob faces criminal proceedings over defamation lawsuit

The Ljubljana District Court has initiated criminal proceedings against Robert Golob, leader of the Gibanje Svoboda party, following a private criminal lawsuit filed by orthopedist Gregor Kavčič. The court rejected defense objections, making the decision to proceed legally binding. The National Assembly has also been notified of the proceedings.

The case stems from statements made by Golob during a televised pre-election debate on February 19. Kavčič alleges that Golob knowingly spread false information regarding his professional conduct at the General Hospital Novo Mesto. Specifically, Golob claimed that Kavčič organized the redirection of patients from the public hospital to a private practice and manipulated waiting lists.

Kavčič denies these allegations, asserting that his work with a private provider was approved by his employer and that any reduction in waiting lists was due to patients voluntarily opting for private care. The legal proceedings are scheduled to be addressed in court on December 18.