Slovakia: Demonstrations planned in Bratislava March 9

Event

Demonstrations will take place in urban areas across the country on Friday, March 9. The largest protest is expected to be held in the capital of Bratislava. Participants will gather at the Slovak National Uprising Square between 17:00 and 20:00 (local time). The other protests will take place at the same time, notably in the cities of Košice and Prešov. Localized traffic disruptions are anticipated around all demonstrations.

Context

Citizens are demanding a thorough and independent investigation into the murder of Jana Kuciak, an investigative journalist, and his fiancée. Previous demonstrations were held in Bratislava on March 2, during which an estimated 20,000 people gathered in Freedom Square. 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 are advised to avoid all large demonstrations as a precaution and allow for additional time to travel in the vicinity of such gatherings.