Slovak Soldiers Fined for Racist Statements

29 October 2003

On April 29, 2003, the Banská Bystrica Military Court in central Slovakia fined Colonel Pavol Pančík and Major Peter Majtán of the Slovak Military 5,000 Slovak crowns (approximately 122 Euro) each for racist statements directed at Roma, according to the Slovak English language newspaper Slovak Spectator (Spectator) of May 5, 2003. The Spectator reported that the ruling followed the statement of Colonel Pančík and Major Majtán that "97 percent of Roma are unable to adapt and should be shot dead" at a meeting of professional soldiers in 2001 in the town of Zvolen in central Slovakia. Colonel Pančík and Major Majtán reportedly appealed the decision of the court immediately.

(Slovak Spectator)