Slovakian journalists’ killer sentenced to 23 years in prison

Former Slovakian soldier Miroslav Marcek was sentenced to 23 years in prison for shooting and killing investigative journalist Jan Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kusnirova in February 2018.

Marcek, 37, who was not present at the sentencing, had admitted his guilt leading to nationwide protests and eventually brought down the Slovak Government.

Presiding judge Ruzena Szabova of the specialised criminal court called the felony “cold-blooded and malicious” and said that the victims did not have a chance to defend themselves.

Prosecutor Juraj Novocky, who asked for a 25-year sentence, has appealed against the sentence.

Kuciak had covered corruption and the links of influential businessmen to political, judicial and police leaders.