Slovenia: Riot police remove anti-government protesters from Ljubljana square June 19 /update 2

Event

Anti-government protesters gathering at weekly demonstrations in Ljubljana were forcibly removed from a square outside Slovenia's parliament building on Friday, June 19. Police had fenced off the square in anticipation of the demonstrations, but around 30 protestors still gathered in the square and began reading the country's constitution. Riot police moved in to remove them after they refused to disperse.

Further protests are expected in Ljubljana and other cities nationwide over the coming weeks. A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions are expected near all protest sites.

Context

Anti-government demonstrations in Slovenia began in April 2020 and have taken place in several towns and cities across the country. Demonstrations have remained peaceful to date, with participants usually expressing their concerns via chalk paintings on pavements and cycling through streets in large crowds. 

Advice

Individuals in Slovenia are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and anticipate a heightened security presence and localized disruptions to transportation and business around protest sites.