Illegal use of military uniforms and insignia will be punishable by fine
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- Date: 09.01.2019
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Illegal use of SVK Armed Forces uniforms and insignia will be punishable by fine of up to €500. The measures against various doubtful and extremist paramilitary organizations were initially announced by the MOD last summer. They were incorporated into an amendment act which was approved today by the Cabinet. The MOD maintains that the measures are not directed against any special interest groups such as fishermen and hunters who wear military uniforms with outdated camouflage patterns. The amendment act relates to the currently fielded uniforms.
Justifying the rationale behind the measures, Defence Minister Peter Gajdoš said: “Military uniforms are intended exclusively for members of the SVK Armed Forces, graduates of Voluntary Military Training, Active Reserves, and soldiers on exceptional duty service* for the duration of such service, and since they are the security components of the State, the uniforms cannot be worn just by whoever wishes to do so.ˮ He went on to add that exceptions have been granted to military pensioners, military disabled pensioners, WWII veterans, and soldiers with restored reputation.
It follows on from the amendment act that, besides uniforms, the ban will also apply to other items of clothing, featuring the emblem of the Slovak Republic, which may be mistaken for military uniform. Misuse of the official title ‘Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic’ will be illegal in writing, including in website domains or on vehicles. And misuse of the military ID by a non-military person will be treated as an offence as well.
If endorsed by Parliament, the amendment act is likely to come into force on 1 May 2019.
Justifying the rationale behind the measures, Defence Minister Peter Gajdoš said: “Military uniforms are intended exclusively for members of the SVK Armed Forces, graduates of Voluntary Military Training, Active Reserves, and soldiers on exceptional duty service* for the duration of such service, and since they are the security components of the State, the uniforms cannot be worn just by whoever wishes to do so.ˮ He went on to add that exceptions have been granted to military pensioners, military disabled pensioners, WWII veterans, and soldiers with restored reputation.
It follows on from the amendment act that, besides uniforms, the ban will also apply to other items of clothing, featuring the emblem of the Slovak Republic, which may be mistaken for military uniform. Misuse of the official title ‘Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic’ will be illegal in writing, including in website domains or on vehicles. And misuse of the military ID by a non-military person will be treated as an offence as well.
If endorsed by Parliament, the amendment act is likely to come into force on 1 May 2019.
Note:
*Exceptional duty service means military service undertaken by active duty soldiers, reservists and registered citizens during a crisis situation when the security of the State is under threat.
