Thousands of protesters gathered in the Slovak capital Bratislava and several other cities tonight to condemn a law approved by parliament that they say could limit freedom of speech and the work of non-governmental organizations.
People gathered in Bratislava's Freedom Square compared the measure to Russia's "foreign agent" law, before marching to the presidential palace to call on President Peter Pellegrini to veto the law. "No to the Russian law," they chanted, as well as "Slovakia is Europe."
Parliament passed the law on April 17 and is backed by populist Prime Minister Robert Fico, who has often attacked NGOs. Pellegrini, a Fico ally, has not commented on the law, although he has recently questioned some of Fico's policies. He has until May 2 to review the law.
The law would, among other things, require NGOs to publish reports detailing all donors who have given more than 5.000 euros a year. The government says the measure will make the funding and functioning of civic groups more transparent.
An analysis by the nonprofit Via Iuris says 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. It aims to "stigmatize and restrict the activities of civic groups," the group said.
Protests are planned for Friday at 20 more locations across Slovakia and abroad, organizers said.
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