Slovakia: Demonstrations and marches planned nationwide February 21

Event

Demonstrations, organized under the banner "For a Decent Slovakia," are slated to take place in Bratislava and other urban areas on Thursday, February 21. Participants will stage silent marches in at least 50 cities throughout the country on Thursday beginning at 17:00 (local time). Localized traffic disruptions are anticipated around all demonstrations.

Context

Demonstrators will commemorate the one-year anniversary of the murder of Ján Kuciak, an investigative journalist, and his fiancée, Martiny Kušnírovej. Kuciak and Kušnírovej were shot and killed on February 25, 2018, as Kuciak investigated alleged political corruption linked to Italian organized crime in the country. Tens of thousands staged demonstrations nationwide in February and March 2018, eventually leading to the resignation of Prime Minister Robert Fico.

Advice

Individuals in Slovakia are advised to monitor the situation and avoid public demonstrations as a precaution.