Investigation of journalist’s murder continues intensively

The investigation into the murder of investigative journalist Jan Kuciak continues intensively, Special Prosecutor's Office spokesperson Jana Tökölyova told TASR on Tuesday. "The primary thing is to find and secure evidence to clarify the matter and punish the perpetrator. Presenting the facts that are known to the law enforcement bodies, such as the date and time of the death, the number of shots that hit the victims, and the like, isn't possible due to the current state of the investigation. So we won't provide any details to prevent thwarting or complicating the clarification and investigation of the matter," stated the spokesperson. She further said that according to the circumstances of the criminal investigation, the media will be provided, when possible, with information in a scope that won't hinder further investigation. "The powers of the relevant foreign bodies will be defined in the forthcoming agreement on the establishment of a joint investigation team," added Tökölyova. Prosecutor-General Jaromír Čižnár on Monday, March 19 announced that following intensive communication with Italy's judicial authorities he has sent them a draft agreement to set up a joint investigation team regarding the double murder of investigative journalist Jan Kuciak and his girlfriend. Prosecutor General's Office spokesperson Andrea Predajňová told TASR that the draft agreement was sent via Eurojust on Friday (March 16). Earlier on Monday (Monday 19), Čižnár discussed setting up the joint investigation team with outgoing Justice Minister Lucia Žitňanská (Most-Hid). In practice, creating a joint investigation team and signing an agreement in this regard is time-consuming, as it usually takes several weeks or even months. "Prosecutor-General Jaromír Čižnár in cooperation with Eurojust has done his best to make it possible to set up the joint investigation team as soon as possible and to allow foreign judicial authorities to join the ongoing criminal investigation into the murders of Jan Kuciak and his girlfriend," said Predajňová, adding that Italian judicial bodies are currently evaluating the draft agreement.