02 Apr 2018 | 08:47 PM UTC
Slovakia: Nationwide demonstrations April 5-6 /update 4
“For a Decent Slovakia” group to stage protest in Bratislava on April 5 and in other cities nationwide for April 6; localized traffic disruptions expected
Event
Anti-government protests organized by the "For a Decent Slovakia" group are planned in cities across Slovakia on Thursday, April 5, and Friday, April 6. The main demonstration is scheduled for Thursday at 17:00 (local time) at the SNP Square in Bratislava, with tens of thousands of people expected to attend. Related, smaller demonstrations are planned for urban centers across the country on both Thursday and Friday. A heightened security presence and associated transportation disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of any demonstrations.
Context
"For a Decent Slovakia" is protesting the time it has taken the government to choose a new police president, as well as denouncing government corruption and ineffectiveness more generally. Protesters have held regular demonstrations since March 2, demanding a thorough independent investigation into the murder of Jana Kuciak, an investigative journalist, and his fiancée. Kuciak and his fiancée were shot and killed on February 25 while he was writing an article on alleged political corruption linked to Italian organized crime in the country.
Advice
Individuals in Slovakia, particularly in Bratislava, are advised to avoid all large demonstrations as a precaution and allow for additional time to travel in the vicinity of such gatherings.
