Slovakia: Demonstrations in Bratislava and Hummené April 15

Event

Anti-government protests organized by the "For a Decent Slovakia" group are planned in Bratislava and Hummené on Sunday, April 15. Both demonstrations are scheduled for 16:00 until 18:00 (local time) at the SNP Square in Bratislava and the main square of Hummené, with thousands of people expected to attend the events. A heightened security presence and associated transportation disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of all demonstrations.

Context

"For a Decent Slovakia" is protesting the amount of time it has taken the government to announce a new police president, as well as denouncing government corruption and ineffectiveness more generally. Protesters have also 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.