Slovakia: Anti-corruption protests continue nationwide March 16 /update 2

Event

Nationwide anti-corruption protests were held on Friday, March 16, despite the resignation of Prime Minister Robert Fico. The largest demonstration was held in the capital city of Bratislava near the Slovak National Uprising Square. According to media reports, thousands of people gathered in the Old Town area starting at 17:00 (local time), disrupting traffic throughout the city. Additional protests are likely in the coming weeks.

Context

Prime Minister Fico resigned on Thursday, March 15, in an effort to appease protesters who have held regular demonstrations since March 2. The demonstrators are calling for early elections, as well as a thorough and 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.