Slovak Prosecutor Drops Charges Against Former Agriculture Official in Forest Privatization Case

The Special Prosecutor's Office has dismissed criminal charges against former Agriculture Ministry official Ľubica Matečná in connection with the controversial Slánske lesy forest privatization case. The decision comes despite the state having a nearly won legal dispute, yet still paying millions in settlements. An investigator has been ordered to reconsider the matter and make a new decision in the case. The Slánske lesy case involves the disputed privatization of state forest lands in eastern Slovakia, which has been the subject of lengthy legal proceedings. The Special Prosecutor's Office, which handles major corruption and organized crime cases in Slovakia, had previously brought charges against Matečná for her role in the privatization process while she served at the Agriculture Ministry. The dismissal of charges raises questions about the handling of significant privatization disputes, particularly given reports that the state was close to winning its legal challenge but nevertheless agreed to substantial financial settlements. The case highlights ongoing concerns about transparency in Slovakia's post-communist privatization processes and the prosecution of related corruption allegations.