The Slovak parliament today passed a law that critics say will be detrimental to many non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
It was drafted by MPs from the ruling coalition and approved by the government of populist Prime Minister Robert Fico, who often attacks non-governmental organizations.
Organizers of the protest in Bratislava against the law claim that the draft was inspired by a Russian law, which they said "enables the liquidation of the civil sector and the criminalization of anyone who is not loyal to the regime."
The government said the law is intended to make the financing and functioning of civic groups more transparent.
MPs loyal to Fico made last-minute concessions by removing some controversial parts of the draft, including a provision that non-governmental organizations would be considered lobbyists without providing a clear definition of what lobbying is.
An analysis by the non-profit organization Via Juris states that the law violates the constitution, including the right to privacy, freedom of expression, and the right to free association, as well as European Union rules.
"The law aims to stigmatize and limit the activities of civic groups," the analysis states.
Fico, who is divisive at home and abroad, returned to power in 2003 after his "Smer" party won parliamentary elections on a pro-Russian and anti-American platform.
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