Thousands of Slovakians marched through Bratislava yesterday and rallied outside parliament in protest at draft legislation they say will curtail the activities of non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
According to the rally organisers, the bill sponsored by populist Prime Minister Robert Fico‘s coalition was inspired by Russian legislation and that it “makes it possible to liquidate the civil sector and turn into a criminal anyone who is not loyal to those in power.” They claim the measure is designed to deter people from opposing or being critical of the government.
Via Iuris, a non-profit organisation, says that NGOs will be treated as lobbyists under the proposed legislation, pointing out that the draft offers no precise definition of “lobbying”. The non-profit insists that the draft law violates Slovakia’s constitution and European Union rules and intends to “stigmatise and limit the activities of civic groups.”Â
The government says the new law is designed to ensure that the financing and functioning of civic groups are transparent.
Protesters in Bratislava and other cities in Slovakia chanted “No to the Russian law” and “We won’t give up freedom” as they demonstrated. Fico’s recent trip to Moscow for talks with President Vladimir Putin has fueled their displeasure. His Kremlin visit was unusual for an EU leader. He recently raised the possibility that Slovakia might consider leaving the EU and NATO.
Further protests are planned today.Â
