I had to sign the indictment because it was already written and I couldn't stop it.
Petra Grah Lazar, former director of the National Investigative Office (NPU), sent an SMS to Dars' former head Valentin Hajdinjak informing him that she had to sign a criminal complaint against Hajdinjak's party colleague Matej Tomin because the investigation was already underway and she could not stop it. The SMS was discovered during a home search of Hajdinjak by investigators looking into the Dars affair in 2024. The Specialized State Prosecution confirmed the existence of the message but stated that the content did not constitute disclosure of confidential information or abuse of position, leading to the rejection of the criminal charges. Grah Lazar denied allegations that she interfered with ongoing investigations, stating that she followed prosecutorial guidelines and that the fact that NPU submitted two criminal complaints to the prosecution was first reported by the media outlet 24ur, not her. Minister Franci Matoz expressed full trust in Grah Lazar as long as she performs her duties legally, professionally, and effectively.
In early 2026, a legal dispute emerged involving Matej Tonin, a European Parliament member representing Slovenia's New Slovenia party (NSi), concerning his parliamentary immunity. The issue arose after the Specialized State Prosecution (SDT), led by Senior State Prosecutor Ivan Pridigar, submitted a request to the European Parliament seeking the revocation of Tonin’s immunity. This move followed allegations of misuse of his position as a member of the Committee for Oversight of Intelligence and Security Services (Knovs) during November 2023, when members of the committee reportedly conducted an unannounced inspection of police premises. The investigation was linked to the Dars affair, which had already drawn significant public attention due to its implications for political corruption and misconduct within the intelligence community.
The SDT argued that under Slovenian constitutional law, a parliamentarian must formally invoke their immunity before any proceedings can be initiated against them. According to Article 83(2) of the Slovenian Constitution, the prosecution of a parliamentarian requires approval from the National Assembly unless they explicitly claim their immunity. In this case, Tonin had signed a statement asserting his immunity, but the European Parliament had yet to make a decision on whether to revoke it. As a result, the SDT requested the Ljubljana District Court to temporarily suspend the proceedings until the European Parliament rendered a final decision on Tonin’s immunity.
This situation raised complex legal questions about the interplay between national and European Union laws regarding parliamentary immunity. While EU protocols suggest that national legislation should govern such matters, the SDT emphasized that the Slovenian legal framework required Tonin to first assert his immunity himself. However, critics pointed out that the third paragraph of Article 83 of the Slovenian Constitution allows the National Assembly to recognize immunity even if a parliamentarian does not formally claim it, particularly if they have been implicated in criminal activity. This provision suggests that immunity is not merely a personal right but also an institutional safeguard for the entire legislature against politically motivated prosecutions.
Despite the SDT’s arguments, the legal process remained stalled. The European Parliament had not yet decided on the revocation of Tonin’s immunity, and thus, the Ljubljana District Court could not proceed with the case. Meanwhile, the SDT maintained that it had acted in full compliance with both national and international legal standards. They directed the public to consult the court documents directly for further clarification.
The broader implications of the case extended beyond Tonin. Three other prominent NSi members—Jernej Vrtovec, Janez Žakelj, and Jožef Horvat—had already faced formal charges related to the Knovs affair. Their cases were moving forward without the procedural delay caused by immunity claims, highlighting the disparity in how legal protections apply depending on a politician’s role. Vrtovec, who is also the Minister of Infrastructure in the new government formed by Prime Minister Janez Janša, has publicly criticized the legal actions taken against NSi members, calling the Knovs affair a fabricated scandal designed to undermine the right-wing coalition government.
Vrtovec has accused opponents of creating artificial controversies to prevent the formation of a right-center government and has promised to introduce new legislation aimed at holding those responsible for such tactics accountable. His comments reflect a growing tension within Slovenian politics, where accusations of political bias and selective enforcement of legal procedures are increasingly common.
Meanwhile, the case involving Tonin remains unresolved. The European Parliament has not yet made a decision on whether to revoke his immunity, leaving the legal proceedings in limbo. If the European Parliament ultimately decides to revoke Tonin’s immunity, the SDT could potentially refile the charges against him. Until then, the legal battle over parliamentary immunity continues to highlight the complexities of balancing national legal frameworks with European Union regulations.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on the European Parliament, whose decision will determine whether Tonin faces potential legal consequences for the alleged misuse of his position. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for future disputes over parliamentary immunity and the extent to which national courts can act independently of European institutions.
38 reports
Žurnal24IndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 8517 days ago
The article reports that Matej Tonin, an EU parliament member, has invoked parliamentary immunity to avoid prosecution related to alleged abuse of his position in the Committee for Oversight of Intelligence and Security Services (Knovs). The public prosecutor's office rejected the indictment against Tonin due to his claim of immunity and recommended the case be closed until the European Parliament decides on his immunity status. In contrast, indictments against three other members of the National Security Institute (NSi) have become legally binding.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information without overtly biased language or selective sourcing. It explains the legal reasoning behind the decision to dismiss the charges against Tonin and contrasts it with the situation involving other individuals. There is no clear ideological framing or emphasis.
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 85): The article accurately reports that Matej Tonin used parliamentary immunity to avoid court proceedings, citing the decision by the Specialized State Prosecution (SDT). It aligns with the cross-source consensus that his case was dismissed due to his status as an EU parliament member. The tone is most
DemokracijaParty-alignedCenterFactual 95Objective 8015 days ago
The specialized state prosecution (SDT), led by Senior State Prosecutor Ivan Pridigar, has explained its view on the immunity rights of European Parliament member Matej Tonin (NSi). While European rules stipulate that immunity for European MPs applies automatically, the Slovenian prosecution refers to domestic constitutional provisions requiring an MP to formally invoke their immunity before proceedings can be initiated in Brussels. According to the official response from the prosecution, Tonin has signed such a statement, but Brussels has not yet decided whether to revoke his immunity since [
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual explanation of legal procedures regarding parliamentary immunity without taking a stance or using biased language.
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 80): Detailed and accurate explanation of the legal framework surrounding Tonin's immunity. The article remains objective while clarifying the differences between European and Slovenian legal interpretations.
Spletni časopisIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 8016 days ago
The specialized state prosecution (SDT), led by Higher State Prosecutor Ivan Pridigar, has explained its view on the immunity rights of European Parliament member Matej Tonin (NSi). While European rules stipulate that immunity for European MPs applies automatically, the Slovenian prosecution refers to domestic constitutional provisions requiring an MP to formally invoke their immunity before proceedings can be initiated in Brussels. According to the official response from the prosecution, Tonin has signed such a statement, but Brussels has not yet decided whether to revoke his immunity since [
Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual summary of legal interpretations regarding parliamentary immunity without taking a stance or using biased language.
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 80): Well-researched explanation of the legal interpretation regarding Tonin's immunity. The article remains largely objective while explaining the legal nuances between European and Slovenian law.
DeloIndependent🔒CenterFactual 95Objective 7517 days ago
The prosecution has confirmed that European Parliament member Matej Tonin invoked parliamentary immunity in the case involving the Committee for Oversight of Intelligence and Security Services (Knovs), leading to the dismissal of the criminal proceedings against him. The decision was made by the Specialized State Prosecution (SDT) and awaits the European Parliament's ruling on his immunity. In contrast, three members of the NSi party—Jure Vrtovec, Janez Žakelj, and Jožef Horvat—did not invoke their parliamentary immunity, allowing the criminal proceedings against them to proceed.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information without overtly biased language or selective sourcing. It reports on legal decisions regarding parliamentary immunity and does not favor any particular political side. The tone remains neutral, focusing on procedural aspects rather than ideological framing.
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 75): Accurate description of the legal proceedings and the rationale behind the court's decision. The article provides balanced information but still reflects the NSi stance on the matter.
N1 SlovenijaIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 7518 days ago
The court has rejected the indictment against European Parliament member Matej Tonin regarding allegations of abuse of position in the committee for oversight of intelligence and security services. The decision was reported by POP TV, which suggests it might be due to Tonin's potential immunity as an EU representative. Meanwhile, the indictment against three members of the NSi party—Jernej Vrtovc, Janez Žaklja, and Jožef Horvat—has become final.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the court's decision factually without overtly favoring any side. It includes information from POP TV but does not editorialize or present biased language. The framing remains neutral, focusing on the legal outcome rather than taking a stance on the implications or the accused's
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 75): Accurate summary of the legal outcome for Tonin and the ongoing proceedings against others. The article maintains a neutral tone but focuses primarily on the NSi perspective.
N1 SlovenijaIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 7519 days ago
NSi leader Jernej Vrtovec addressed the situation involving the Knovs committee at an event in Šentrupert, stating that four NSi MPs were fulfilling their legal duties and that the case was an 'artificially created scandal' designed to prevent a right-wing government and hinder the opposition's oversight of intelligence services.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a political statement without taking a stance or using biased language. It presents Vrtovec's claims directly without endorsing them or providing counterpoints.
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 75): Highly factual with direct quotes from Vrtovec's speech. However, the article has a clear bias towards NSi's perspective, using phrases like 'umetno ustvarjena afero' which frame the situation as a political construct.
LokalecIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 7520 days ago
The indictment against three prominent members of the NSi party—Jernej Vrtovec, Janez Žakelj, and Jožef Horvat—for alleged abuse of their position in the parliamentary committee for oversight of intelligence and security services (Knovs) has become legally binding. The charges stem from an investigation by the Specialized State Prosecution (SDT) launched in February. The accused have been informed of the legal proceedings, though the date of the preliminary hearing remains unknown. The case involves allegations of unauthorized surveillance activities by Knovs members, including checks on phone
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information without overtly biased language or selective sourcing. It reports on the legal status of an indictment against specific individuals without taking a stance on their guilt or innocence, nor does it favor one side over another in the narrative.
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 75): Accurate account of the legal process and the involvement of specific individuals. The article maintains a neutral tone overall but leans slightly towards the NSi position when discussing their actions.
RTV Slovenija (MMC)State / PublicCenterFactual 95Objective 7521 days ago
The indictment against three prominent members of the NSi party—Jernej Vrtovec, Janez Žakelj, and Jožef Horvat—for alleged abuse of power in the National Assembly committee overseeing intelligence and security services has been finalized. They will now face trial.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a legal development without apparent ideological framing. It states facts neutrally, mentioning the indictment and the individuals involved without taking a stance or using biased language.
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 75): High factual accuracy with detailed information about the legal proceedings and specific individuals involved. However, the tone shows some bias by referring to the case as 'umetno ustvarjena afera' (artificially created affair) from the NSi perspective.
N1 SlovenijaIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 7016 days ago
The article reports that Petra Grah Lazar, former director of the National Investigative Office (NPU), informed Valentin Hajdinjak, then director of Dars and current defense minister, about a criminal investigation against then-president of NSi Matej Tonin in October 2020. This information was revealed when investigators from the NPU discovered an SMS message during a search at Hajdinjak's home in connection with the Dars affair in 2024.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information without overtly biased language or selective sourcing. It references multiple entities including TV Slovenija and the Specialized State Prosecution, indicating an attempt to balance perspectives rather than leaning toward any particular side.
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 70): Accurate reporting on the discovery of the SMS message and its implications. The article presents the facts neutrally but lacks balance by focusing mainly on the NSi perspective.
Siol.netState / PublicCenterFactual 95Objective 7017 days ago
The indictment against European Parliament member Matej Tonin for alleged abuse of position in the National Security and Intelligence Oversight Committee (Knovs) was rejected because Tonin invoked parliamentary immunity. The prosecution proposed dropping the criminal case until the European Parliament decides on his immunity. In contrast, the indictment against three members of the NSi party—Jernej Vrtovec, Janez Žakelj, and Jožef Horvat—was finalized due to their failure to invoke immunity.
Bias read (Center): The article presents facts without overtly biased language or selective sourcing. It reports on legal decisions regarding parliamentary immunity and criminal proceedings against multiple individuals, providing balanced information on the different outcomes for Tonin versus the other accused. No明显的倾向
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 70): Factually sound with detailed information about the legal process and Vrtovec's response. The article shows some bias through Vrtovec's quoted statements about the lack of evidence against him.
DeloIndependent🔒LeftFactual 95Objective 7018 days ago
The article reports that the indictment against European Parliament member Matej Tonin regarding the Knovs case has been rejected by the court. The decision references several articles of the Criminal Procedure Act, suggesting that if Tonin's immunity were removed, a new indictment could potentially be filed. The article also mentions that Jernej Vrtovec, leader of the NSi party, described the Knovs affair as an 'artificially created scandal' designed to prevent a right-wing government and hinder the opposition's oversight of intelligence services.
Bias read (Left): The article presents the rejection of the indictment against Matej Tonin, a European Parliament member, with a focus on legal technicalities and potential implications for his immunity. It includes quotes from Jernej Vrtovec, who frames the Knovs case as a politically motivated 'constructed scandal'
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 70): Factual details align with other reports about the legal proceedings. The objectivity score is slightly lower due to the repeated assertion that NSi members acted within their legal duties without providing opposing viewpoints.
Siol.netState / PublicCenterFactual 95Objective 7018 days ago
The court in Ljubljana has rejected the indictment against Matej Tonin, a European Parliament member and member of the NSi party, likely due to his potential immunity. The decision refers to specific articles of the Criminal Procedure Act. According to legal experts cited by the report, if the prosecution were to revoke Tonin's immunity, they could potentially file a new indictment if there are still suspicions of criminal activity. NSi president Jernej Vrtovec called the filing of the indictment an 'artificially created affair' and claimed that members of the party were targeted for carrying
Bias read (Center): The article presents facts without overtly biased language or selective sourcing. It reports on a legal decision and includes quotes from both the accused and his party leader, providing a balanced view of the situation.
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 70): The article provides detailed and accurate information about the legal process and quotes Vrtovec without overtly favoring any side.
RTV Slovenija (MMC)State / PublicCenterFactual 95Objective 7020 days ago
Jernej Vrtovec, leader of the NSi party, responded to allegations related to the Knovs case by stating he is willing to take political responsibility, later adding that there cannot be political responsibility in such matters.
Bias read (Center): The article presents Vrtovec's statements without apparent bias, quoting his remarks directly and providing no additional commentary or framing that suggests a particular ideological slant.
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 70): Factually sound report on the legal situation and Vrtovec's response. The article shows some bias through Vrtovec's comments suggesting political motivation behind the case.
N1 SlovenijaIndependentCenterFactual 94Objective 7520 days ago
Jernej Vrtovec, the president of NSi and head of the three-party coalition consisting of NSi, SLS, and Fokus, as well as the Minister for Infrastructure and Energy and Deputy Prime Minister, has stated that he does not want to be a weak minister and does not want to be part of a weak government.
Bias read (Center): The article discusses a political figure's personal stance but does not present any biased language, one-sided sourcing, or editorializing. It simply reports on Vrtovec's statement without taking a position or emphasizing one side over another.
Why these scores (Factual 94 · Objective 75): Accurate reporting of Vrtovec's comments and the legal developments. The article remains relatively neutral but includes his statement about having a 'mirno in čisto vest,' which reflects his personal stance.
N1 SlovenijaIndependentCenterFactual 93Objective 7218 days ago
The article discusses statements made by Jernej Vrtovec, President of the New Slovenia (NSi) party and Infrastructure Minister, regarding potential legislative changes aimed at holding prosecutors and judges accountable. Vrtovec mentioned that the NSi has not yet responded to questions about the specifics of this proposed legislation. The Ministry of Justice, led by Mihael Zupančič from the Democrats, stated they are unaware of Vrtovec's initiative but emphasized that Slovenia already has mechanisms for accountability for those in judicial roles. Additionally, the article notes that the case,涉
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a political statement without taking a stance or using biased language. It presents facts and quotes from both Vrtovec and the Ministry of Justice without apparent favoritism.
Why these scores (Factual 93 · Objective 72): Accurately reports Vrtovec's statements and the legal status of the case. The article maintains some neutrality but still emphasizes the NSi position over counterarguments.
Žurnal24IndependentCenterFactual 92Objective 7019 days ago
Jernej Vrtovec, leader of the NSi party and Minister for Infrastructure, announced plans to amend legislation to penalize individuals who 'wrongfully pursue innocent people' following an investigation by the Parliamentary Commission for Oversight of Intelligence and Security Services (Knovs). The commission is investigating alleged abuse of position by four NSi MPs, including Vrtovec himself, Janez Žaklja, Jožef Horvat, and former party president Matjaž Tonin. Vrtovec denied any wrongdoing, stating that the MPs were merely fulfilling their legal duties. He accused the investigation of being a
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a political statement regarding potential legislative changes without taking a stance on the validity of the claims or the political implications. It presents the information neutrally, quoting Vrtovec's comments directly.
Why these scores (Factual 92 · Objective 70): Accurate reporting of Vrtovec's statements and the legal proceedings. The article leans slightly toward NSi's viewpoint by emphasizing their defense of the alleged misconduct as fulfilling their duty.
24ur (POP TV)IndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 8015 days ago
Petra Grah Lazar, currently serving as head of the National Police Directorate (NPU), has denied allegations reported by TV Slovenia that she informed then-NPU director Darš, now Defense Minister Valentin Hajdinjak, about her need to sign a criminal indictment against his party colleague Matej Tonin. She also denies claims that she wanted to interfere with an open investigation into former NPU president Knovs' alleged misuse of a commission during a supervision process. Grah Lazar stated that the information about the indictment was already written and that she could not stop the proceedings.她
Bias read (Center): The article presents both the allegations made by TV Slovenia and Grah Lazar's denial without overtly favoring either side. It includes direct quotes from Grah Lazar and references the ongoing investigation by the Specialized State Prosecution, indicating a balanced approach.
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 80): The article provides detailed legal references and explains why the indictment against Tonin was rejected, aligning with the cross-source consensus. It is factual and clear but focuses primarily on the legal aspects, leaving out broader political context.
Žurnal24IndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 8018 days ago
The article reports that the indictment against European Parliament member Matej Tonin has been rejected by the court, allowing him to avoid trial for now. In contrast, three prominent members of the NSi party—Jerne Vrtovic, Janez Zaklj and Josip Horvat—have faced a finalized indictment related to alleged abuse of their positions in the National Assembly committee overseeing intelligence and security services (Knovs). The rejection of the indictment against Tonin may be linked to his parliamentary immunity.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information without overtly biased language or selective sourcing. It provides details about legal proceedings involving both Tonin and other NSi members, with no clear emphasis on one side over another. The tone remains neutral, focusing on procedural outcomes rather on
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 80): The article confirms that Tonin avoided court due to potential parliamentary immunity, while three other NSi members faced formal charges. It provides legal references and aligns with the cross-source consensus. The tone remains relatively neutral but focuses more on the outcome for Tonin than the b
DeloIndependent🔒CenterFactual 90Objective 7818 days ago
The opposition trio criticizes President of NSi Jernej Vrtovec's prediction about new legislation that would target those who wrongfully pursue people in Slovenia. They interpret it as an undue political pressure and threat to the rule of law, emphasizing that Slovenia already has laws against false accusations. Vrtovec responded to reports about an indictment against three prominent NSi members by the Specialized State Prosecution, claiming it was an artificially created scandal ('konstrukt'). He stated that responsibility would soon fall on those who orchestrated this 'construct,' and he is
Bias read (Center): The article discusses a political issue but presents both sides' perspectives without evident bias. It includes quotes from multiple parties and does not show clear favoritism toward any side.
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 78): Factual with balanced coverage of both Vrtovec's claims and opposition criticism. It provides context about existing legal mechanisms but still presents Vrtovec's narrative prominently.
N1 SlovenijaIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 7017 days ago
The specialized state prosecution (SDT) explains that the rejection of the indictment against Matej Tonin in the Knovs affair was due to procedural reasons. As an EU parliament member, Tonin automatically holds parliamentary immunity, which the European Parliament (EP) must decide whether to revoke. The SDT states that if the EP revokes his immunity, the prosecution could refile the indictment against him.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information without overtly biased language or selective sourcing. It reports on legal procedures and quotes the SDT directly, maintaining neutrality in describing the situation and potential future actions.
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 70): The article accurately describes the legal status of the case and explains the procedural aspects without showing clear bias.
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €5/month.
Slovenia
