Last updated on: June 17th, 2026, 09:26 pm by
The Specialized State Prosecutor's Office (SDT), headed by Senior State Prosecutor Ivan Pridigar, clarified its view on MEP Matej Tonin's (NSi) right to immunity.While European rules stipulate that MEPs' immunity is automatic, the Slovenian prosecutor's office refers to a domestic constitutional arrangement under which MEPs must first formally invoke their immunity before they can initiate proceedings to have it revoked in Brussels.The response from the prosecutor's office shows that Tonin signed such a declaration, but Brussels has not yet decided whether to revoke it since February.
The complication with the status of Matej Tonin raises an interesting legal question: should the Slovenian prosecution authorities seek the permission of the European Parliament or wait for a move by a member of parliament to invoke immunity?
The constitution requires a member to say
The second paragraph of Article 83 of the Slovak Constitution provides that criminal proceedings may not be instituted against a Member of Parliament without the consent of the National Assembly, 'if he invokes immunity'.
According to the rules, the Member must invoke immunity and only then can and must the competent prosecutor address a request to the competent authority for the waiver of parliamentary immunity.
When lodging the indictment with the District Court, the Prosecutor's Office enclosed a personal statement by Mr Tonin, in which he explicitly invoked his parliamentary immunity, and at the same time proposed to the Court that the proceedings against Mr Tonin be suspended pending the final decision of the European Parliament.
The weakness of the prosecution's logic: What did they 'forget' to mention?
However, the prosecution's interpretation, according to which everything depends on Tonin's own initiative, collapses considerably even on a careful reading of the entire Article 83 of our Constitution, because in their explanation the prosecutors 'forgot' to mention the third paragraph of the same article, which turns the constitutional logic on its head.
The National Assembly may also grant immunity to a Member who has not invoked it or who has been complicit in the offence referred to in the preceding paragraph.
The Constituent Assembly has thus also established that immunity is not merely a personal privilege or a 'defence shield' which individual politicians can activate or deactivate at will by making statements.
Request in Brussels since February, no reply yet
The motion for waiver of parliamentary immunity was finally sent by the Prosecutor's Office via the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Slovenia to the EU in Brussels on 9 February 2026.
To date, the Prosecutor's Office has not yet received any notification from the European Parliament regarding the waiver of parliamentary immunity for the accused,the Specialised Public Prosecutor's Office confirmed.
The SDT firmly insists that in this particular case they acted in full compliance with the rules on parliamentary immunity and the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, and for an insight into the judicial documentation of the indictment itself, they refer the public to the District Court in Ljubljana, where the case is formally pending and awaits how the constitutional articles will be interpreted and decided by the Brussels MPs.
The persecution of MEPs for exercising parliamentary scrutiny of possible government abuses is a serious threat to the rule of law, EPP President Manfred Weber said in February, after receiving a request from Slovenia. e parallels with 2014 and the imprisonment of Janez Jansa just before the elections during the campaign due to a rigged political process and an unfair trial, and the findings already under scrutiny from the EU on the problems with the independence of institutions and media pluralism in our country, were later highlighted by Lena Dontüp, coordinator of the most powerful European political group in the EPP's Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs.
The overall communication between the Online Newspaper and the Specialized Prosecution was as follows:
Respected
Your message was published in the media, in which you point out that MEP Matej Tonin invoked parliamentary immunity and was therefore excluded from the criminal proceedings.
In the case of one defendant who invoked immunity, the Prosecutor's Office proposed, on grounds of expediency, that criminal proceedings be suspended pending a decision by the European Parliament on the waiver or granting of parliamentary immunity. Since it is not possible to predict when the European Parliament will adopt a decision on immunity, the Prosecutor's Office's assessment was that there were valid reasons for suspending criminal proceedings against this defendant. In this way, the criminal proceedings against the three other defendants would not be delayed and a trial would be ensured within a reasonable time.…
Read the full article at Spletni časopis →📄Source document: POP TV
29 reports
N1 SlovenijaIndependentCenter3 days agoPetra Grah Lazar, former director of the National Security Agency (NPU) and head of the cabinet of Interior Minister Franci Matoš, denied today that she wanted to visit an open investigation against then-president of Nova Slovenija (NSi) Matej Tonin in 2020. She stated that the media were the first to report on the signed investigations against Tonin and Žan Mahnič, not herself. The prosecution confirmed that Grah Lazar was investigated for alleged disclosure of confidential information and abuse of her position but the charges were dismissed because the alleged offenses did not fall under her
Bias read (Center): The article presents both sides of the situation without overtly favoring one over the other. It includes direct quotes from Petra Grah Lazar denying involvement in the investigation and mentions the prosecution's confirmation of the investigation and its dismissal. There is no evident loaded langug
24ur (POP TV)IndependentCenter3 days agoPetra 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.
DemokracijaParty-alignedCenter3 days agoThe 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.
Spletni časopisIndependentCenter3 days agoThe 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.
Official sources cited
- government Slovenian Constitution Article 83
- government Protocol No. 7 on Privileges and Immunities of the EU
24ur (POP TV)IndependentCenter4 days ago Former Director of the NPU on the complaint against Tonin Hajdinjak's notificationsThe article discusses an alleged SMS message sent by former director of the National Investigative Office (NPU), Petra Grah Lazar, to Valentin Hajdinjak, the current defense minister and former director of Dars. The message reportedly informed Hajdinjak that she had been forced to sign a criminal complaint against Tonin because the process was already prepared and could not be stopped. This message was discovered during a house search at Hajdinjak's residence in the Dars affair in 2024. The specialized state prosecution confirmed the existence of the message and stated that police had filed a
Bias read (Center): The article presents facts without overtly favoring any side. It includes statements from both Grah Lazar and the prosecution, providing a balanced view of the situation.
N1 SlovenijaIndependentCenter4 days ago Former Director of NPU Hajdinjaka informed of the investigation against ToninThe 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.
RTV Slovenija (MMC)State / PublicCenter4 days agoThe article reports that Petra Grah Lazar, former director of the National Investigative Office (NPU) during the third Janez Janša government, wanted to visit an open criminal investigation into Matej Tonin shortly after being appointed head of the NPU in 2020. It also states that she shared information about this investigation with Valentin Hajdinjak, who was then the director of DARS and current defense minister.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information without overtly biased language or selective sourcing. It reports on actions taken by individuals in public office without clear ideological framing or emphasis on one side over another.
Official sources cited
- government Tožilstvo (Prosecutor's Office)
Žurnal24IndependentCenter5 days agoThe 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.
Official sources cited
- government Specialized State Prosecution (SDT)
DeloIndependent🔒Center5 days agoThe 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.
Official sources cited
- government Specialized State Prosecution (SDT)
- government European Parliament
N1 SlovenijaIndependentCenter5 days ago If the European Parliament withdraws immunity from Tonin, the prosecution will be able to reinstate the charge against him.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.
Official sources cited
- government Specialized State Prosecution (SDT)
24ur (POP TV)IndependentCenter5 days ago Prosecution confirmed: Tonin invoked parliamentary immunityThe article reports that three individuals—Jernej Vrtovec, Janez Žakelj, and Jožef Horvat—have received a court notice regarding a preliminary hearing in the case involving Knovs. The notice confirms they did not invoke parliamentary immunity, allowing the criminal proceedings against them to proceed. In contrast, Matej Tonin, another accused individual, had his indictment rejected because he cited his status as an EU parliament member, which grants temporary procedural protection. The prosecution explained that due to the uncertainty of when the European Parliament would decide on his immunit
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information without overtly biased language or selective sourcing. It explains legal procedures and decisions made by the prosecution without apparent ideological framing.
Official sources cited
- government Specialized State Prosecution
Žurnal24IndependentCenter6 days ago Tonin has for now evaded trial, but the three visible members of the NSI have not.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
Official sources cited
- court Court Decision on Indictment Against Matej Tonin
- government Law on Criminal Procedure (Articles 136, 437, 277)
DeloIndependent🔒Left6 days ago Knovs case: the indictment against Tonin dismissed?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'
Official sources cited
- government Okrajno sodišče v Ljubljani
- press release POP TV
N1 SlovenijaIndependentCenter6 days ago Good news for Tonine: He's no longer on the list of defendantsThe 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
Official sources cited
- government Okrajno sodišče v Ljubljani
- organisation POP TV
Siol.netIndependentCenter6 days agoThe 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.
24ur (POP TV)IndependentCenter6 days ago Affair Knovs: the indictment against Tonina dismissedThe article reports that the indictment against European Parliament member Matej Tonin in the Knovs case has been rejected by the local court in Ljubljana. The decision appears to be based on potential immunity Tonin may have as an EU parliament member. The court cited three articles of the Criminal Procedure Act (ZKP): Article 136, paragraph 1; Article 437, paragraph 1; and Article 277, paragraph 2. These provisions relate to the requirements for initiating criminal proceedings and the grounds for rejecting an indictment.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about the legal process and does not exhibit clear bias in language, sourcing, or emphasis. It provides details about the court's decision and references relevant legal articles without apparent ideological framing.
Official sources cited
- court Decision by the Local Court in Ljubljana
- statement Criminal Procedure Act (ZKP)
RTV Slovenija (MMC)State / PublicCenter6 days ago The indictment against Tonin in the Knovs case is to be dismissedThe indictment against European Parliament member Matej Tonin in the Knovs case has been rejected by the court, according to media reports. The legal proceedings against three prominent members of the NSi party—Jernej Vrtovec, Janez Žaklja, and Jožef Horvat—continue. The court decision references several articles of the Criminal Procedure Act, suggesting that if Tonin's immunity were removed, a new indictment could potentially be filed. Tonin has not commented on the matter. NSi leader Jernej Vrtovec described the situation as an 'artificially created affair.'
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information without overtly biased language or selective sourcing. It includes quotes from both the accused and his political party, providing a balanced view of the situation.
Official sources cited
- court Court Decision
- press release POP TV Report
24ur (POP TV)IndependentCenter7 days ago Vrtovec: In the case of Knovs, MPs were performing their legal dutyPredstavnik stranke NSi, Janez Vrtovec, je v govoru na srečanju članov in simpatizerjev stranke izjavil, da so poslanci opravljali svojo zakonsko dolžnost v povezavi s sumi zlorabe položaja v komisiji za nadzor obveščevalnih in varnostnih služb (Knovs). Vrtovec je ocenil, da gre za 'umetno ustvarjeno afero', namenjeno preprečevanju ustanovitve desne vlade. Poudaril je, da je NSi igrala ključno vlogo pri združitvi desnice v predhodni volilni kampanji.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on statements made by a political figure regarding alleged misconduct in a parliamentary committee. The content does not exhibit clear bias through loaded language, one-sided sourcing, or omission of context. It presents the speaker's claims without overtly endorsing or refuting.
RTV Slovenija (MMC)State / PublicCenter7 days ago Vrtovec at the NSi day: Since we were performing our duty, we are subjected to discredit and hindrancesJernej Vrtovec, leader of the NSi party, addressed attendees at an NSi event in Šentrupert regarding the Knovs case. He stated that four NSi MPs were performing their legal duties and thus deserve criticism and obstacles. The article mentions that an indictment against three prominent NSi members has become legally binding, requiring them to defend themselves in court. The case also involves former NSi president Matej Tonin, whose immunity as an EU parliament member is still under consideration.
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual information without overtly biased language or framing. It reports on statements made by NSi leaders and legal developments related to the Knovs case without taking a clear ideological stance.
Official sources cited
- press release POP TV report
Svet24IndependentCenter7 days agoThe article quotes Vrtovec regarding Knovs, stating 'We are being pursued because we fulfilled our task.'
Bias read (Center): The subject is sports-related, which is generally apolitical. The quote is presented neutrally without evident framing or slant.
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