Slovak Interior Minister Faces Second Court Setback in Dispute with Police Critics

Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok has suffered another legal defeat in his ongoing conflict with police officers known as the "Čurillovci," a group of police officials who have publicly criticized the ministry's leadership. An administrative court ruled against the ministry for the second time, stating that the Interior Ministry should have sought approval from the Office for the Protection of Whistleblowers before taking action against the officers. The ruling represents a significant setback for Šutaj Eštok, who leads the Interior Ministry under Slovakia's ruling coalition government. The dispute centers on police officers who have spoken out against ministry policies and leadership, with the officers claiming whistleblower protection under Slovak law designed to shield public employees who report misconduct or raise concerns about institutional practices.