Thousands of anti-government protesters gathered in Slovakia to commemorate the seventh anniversary of the killings of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová. The couple was shot dead at their home in Velka Maca in 2018, sparking major street protests and leading to the collapse of a coalition government. Kuciak had been investigating government corruption, among other issues, before his death. Protesters are demanding justice for the killings and calling for an end to corruption within the government.
The parents of Ján Kuciak and Martina Kušnírová were applauded by the crowds at the rally, with Ján’s father emphasizing the need for continued protests to fight against corruption. However, businessman Marián Kočner, accused of masterminding the killings, has been acquitted twice. Prosecutors believe Kočner paid the triggerman to carry out the killings and have appealed his acquittal. The protests are the largest since the deaths of Kuciak and Kušnírová in 2018 and are part of a wave of anti-government protests against Prime Minister Robert Fico’s pro-Russia policies.
Protests in Slovakia intensified after Fico visited Moscow to meet with President Vladimir Putin, raising concerns about the country’s allegiance to the European Union and NATO. Protesters waved Slovak and EU flags side-by-side, chanting slogans against Fico and voicing support for Slovakia’s place in Europe. The demonstrations took place in 47 different towns and cities in Slovakia, as well as 16 other locations abroad. In Bratislava, approximately 10,000 protesters gathered at Freedom Square to demand Fico’s resignation.
Prime Minister Robert Fico, who returned to power in 2023 after his party won a parliamentary election, has faced criticism for his policies regarding Russia and Ukraine. Fico has ended Slovakia’s military support for Ukraine, criticized EU sanctions on Russia, and opposed Ukraine’s potential entry into NATO. Additionally, he declared Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a national enemy following disruptions in gas supplies to Slovakia due to the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Protesters are calling for Fico’s resignation and for a government that prioritizes democracy, accountability, and European values.
The protests in Slovakia reflect a growing discontent with the government’s stance on issues such as corruption, foreign policy, and human rights. The legacy of Ján Kuciak and Martina Kušnírová’s deaths continues to fuel calls for justice and accountability within Slovakia. As the protests against Prime Minister Fico’s government gain momentum, it remains to be seen how the authorities will respond to the demands of the people and whether there will be meaningful change in the country’s political landscape. The events surrounding the anniversary of the killings serve as a reminder of the importance of a free press, independent judiciary, and an active civil society in upholding democracy and the rule of law.
