BRATISLAVA, Slovakia — On Friday, thousands of individuals gathered across Slovakia to commemorate the seventh anniversary of the tragic murders of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée, Martina Kušnírová. This series of events is part of a broader wave of demonstrations against the pro-Russia policies advocated by populist Prime Minister Robert Fico.
In the capital city of Bratislava, attendees observed a moment of silence in remembrance of the two young individuals, both aged 27, who were fatally shot in their home in Velka Maca on February 21, 2018. The heinous murders ignited widespread protests reminiscent of the 1989 Velvet Revolution, which led to significant political change in Czechoslovakia. The fallout from these killings contributed to the downfall of a coalition government led by Fico.
At the gatherings, there were heartfelt moments as participants acknowledged Kuciak’s parents and Kušnírová’s mother, who addressed the crowd from the stage. “I believe that our common fight will be successful,” Jozef Kuciak expressed, resonating with the collective sentiment.
Marián Ko?ner, a businessman alleged to be the mastermind behind the murders, has faced acquittal in two separate trials. Prosecutors maintain the belief that he financially compensated the gunman who was convicted for the crimes and are currently appealing the verdict.
The recent anti-government protests mark the largest demonstrations seen since the unfortunate events of 2018. They have been spurred on by Fico’s recent discussions in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has not welcomed visits from EU leaders since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine nearly three years ago. Fico’s remarks about potentially withdrawing Slovakia from both the European Union and NATO have further intensified public dissatisfaction.
“Enough is enough with Fico,” chanted protesters during the mass gatherings. Organizers indicated that demonstrations were held in 47 Slovak towns and cities and in 16 locations internationally, with around 10,000 people rallying at Freedom Square in Bratislava calling for Fico to step down.
Since reclaiming power last year following his party, Smer (Direction), winning the parliamentary election, Fico’s stance on Russia stands in stark contrast to the broader European perspective. He has recently halted military support for Ukraine, criticized EU sanctions aimed at Russia, and declared intentions to obstruct Ukraine’s potential NATO membership. In a controversial statement, he labeled Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as an adversary after Ukraine suspended gas supplies to Slovakia and other European nations sourced from Russia.
