Mass protests: Slovak government opponents are reminiscent of journalist murder

Tens of thousands of government opponents gathered in the evening in Bratislava and other cities of Slovakia to protest races against the left -wing national prime minister Robert Fico. At the same time, they commemorated the investigative journalist Jan Kuciak, who was murdered seven years ago, and his fiancee Martina Kusnirova.

The citizens’ initiative “Mier Ukrajine” (Peace of Ukraine), who is committed to Kiev military support and gathered donations for ammunition, had called for the protests together with the anti-fico initiative “for a decent Slovakia”.

One main claim of the demonstrators was Fico’s resignation. The organizers accuse him of two social democratic parties and a small party right -wing populist small party lack of support from Ukraine and a pro -Russian and authoritarian course.

Seventh anniversary of the journalist murder

“Seven years after the murder of Jan and Martina, who shaked Slovakia, we have to defend democracy again,” said one of the demonstration calls. “You are part of the manure of history” and “Slovakia belongs to the West” was read on banners from demonstrators in Bratislava and other cities.

The then 27 -year -old Jan Kuciak and his fiancé of the same age were shot on February 21, 2018 in their house in the village of Velka Maca east of Bratislava. The bloody deed triggered mass protests across the country, because initially the suspected suspicion was circulating that the government itself could be involved. The then head of government Fico resigned because of the pressure of the demonstrators and his government partners. In the meantime, after an election victory in autumn 2023, he is back in power.

In the meantime, the confessed double murderer and three complicitors have been legally convicted of long prison terms. Millionaire Marian Kocner, accused as a suspected mastermind, must be responsible for a special court in an ongoing procedure.

Call to the protest ratings in Bratislava and other cities, Slovakian online report of the TV news broadcaster TA3 with videos from different cities, Slovakian