The lies caught up with him: Harabin lost the court with Eset and has to apologize

Former Minister of Justice and judge Štefan Harabin must apologize to Eset for his false claims. This was decided by the Regional Court in Bratislava, which confirmed the verdict of the Bratislava II District Court from April 2022. The judgment thus became final.

He spread misinformation about Eset’s connection to the CIA

The dispute began in 2019, when Harabin claimed during the presidential campaign that Eset was influencing elections in Slovakia and cooperating with the American CIA. The company called the claims fabricated and untrue, and filed suit to protect its reputation.

In 2022, the Bratislava II District Court ruled in favor of Eset and ordered Harabin to apologize on his Facebook profile and in a handwritten letter. Harabin appealed against this decision, but in December 2024 the Regional Court confirmed the judgment of the district court.

Eset CEO Richard Marko said the courts had confirmed that Harabin’s claims were lies that unjustifiably damaged the company’s reputation. He also emphasized that Eset has the ambition to create a precedent that will contribute to setting the rules of decent public discussion without spreading misinformation and lies.

He refuses to apologize

Despite the legality of the judgment, Harabin continues refuses to apologize. He questions the verdict and even threatens to strip the judges of their robes. He is a former judge and president of the Supreme Court. Even if Harabin files an appeal, that is, an extraordinary remedy, it will not change the fact that the judgment is final and if he does not apologize, it may have consequences for him. At the end of January, Harabin will appear before the court again, he will face the indictment for approving a crime.

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The case points to the importance of responsibility for public statements and the need to protect against the spread of false information that can damage the reputation of individuals or companies. It cannot be impunity to spread lies and fabrications publicly about anyone.

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