Doubt cast on Nečas testimony
Ištvan, the chief public prosecutor in Olomouc, ordered the Organised Crime Unit [ÚOOZ] to question two people who were once highly-placed defence ministry officials. Three years ago, they were tasked with negotiating the cost for the continued leasing of the Swedish fighter planes until 2027. The police asked them if they ever felt that their personal safety was in danger in relation to the billion-crown contract.
The two figures involved are current Czech NATO permanent representative Jiří Šedivý and Brigadier General Pavel Bulant. After the appointment of Alexandr Vondra (Civic Democrat) as defence minister in 2010, Šedivý served as his first deputy while Bulant headed the equipment purchasing department, and later the National Armaments Office [NÚV]. Both Šedivý and Bulant declined to comment on the case to E15.
Nečas explained in detail to judge Helena Králová the circumstances surrounding strategic military deals under his government. “He mentioned influence-peddling and coercive events with regards to these deals. In the summer of 2012, he then noticed unusual
movements of people around his then home,” wrote Králová in her ruling.
According to Nečas’s own words, the former PM ordered Czech Military Intelligence to undertake actions to prevent espionage, or counter-intelligence, against his then wife Radka, because he was firstly afraid for his family’s safety, and secondly for his own safety. On the basis of his testimony, Králová rejected all of the prosecution’s arguments. Including the contention that Nagyová illegally gave orders to intelligence officials, thus abusing her powers as a public official.
