On the seventh anniversary of the tragic slayings of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancee Martina Kušnírová, thousands of people gathered in rallies across Slovakia. The demonstrations were held to honor the memory of the young couple who were shot dead in their home in Velka Maca in 2018.
The killings of Kuciak and Kušnírová sparked widespread outrage and led to massive street protests, reminiscent of the historic 1989 Velvet Revolution in Czechoslovakia. The political fallout resulted in the collapse of Prime Minister Robert Fico's coalition government.
Ján Kuciak, who was investigating government corruption at the time of his death, was remembered with a minute of silence in Bratislava. The parents of the victims were greeted with applause as they addressed the crowd, expressing hope for justice.
Despite accusations against businessman Marián Kocner as the mastermind behind the murders, he has been acquitted twice. Prosecutors continue to pursue the case, believing Kocner orchestrated the killings.
The recent protests are fueled by discontent with Prime Minister Fico's pro-Russia stance, particularly following his visit to Moscow and controversial remarks about Slovakia's EU and NATO membership. Demonstrators in 47 towns and cities at home, as well as 16 abroad, called for Fico's resignation.
About 10,000 protesters gathered at Freedom Square in Bratislava, chanting for Fico to step down. The Prime Minister's divergent views on Russia, including ending military aid to Ukraine and criticizing EU sanctions, have drawn criticism from the European mainstream.
Fico's return to power in 2023 has reignited tensions, with his opposition to Ukraine's NATO aspirations and labeling of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as an enemy. The ongoing protests signal a significant challenge to Fico's leadership and his government's policies.
