Ground Squirrel Corruption Case Nears Verdict as Defendants Plead Innocence

The Ground Squirrel corruption case moved toward its final phase as closing arguments were presented at Slovakia's Specialized Criminal Court. The defendants - a businessman, former judge, and former member of parliament - maintained their innocence and requested acquittal based on insufficient evidence. The Specialized Criminal Court handles major corruption and organized crime cases in Slovakia. The Ground Squirrel case represents one of several high-profile corruption prosecutions that have tested Slovakia's judicial system in recent years as the country works to address long-standing issues with political and judicial corruption.