Slovakia: two years after the murder of Jan Kuciak, a country on the street
Text by: Anissa El Jabri
Two years ago, Slovakia heard the news of the murder of an investigative journalist, Jan Kuciak, and his fiancée. For the first time in 30 years, the company took to the streets and obtained the resignations of the Minister of the Interior and then the Prime Minister.
Publicity
Read moreFrom our special correspondent in Bratislava ,
The most important commemoration organized in homage to Jan Kuciak and his fiancée was the citizen movement " for a decent Slovakia ". It brought together just over 15,000 people with caps, hoods and scarves, a large crowd for the country, gathered in the cold and an icy wind on a large square opposite the seat of the Prime Minister.
►Read also: Slovakia: the murder of Jan Kuciak provokes a political crisis in the country
This calm crowd applauded almost discreetly: no slogans no banners but solemnity, gravity, and still palpable anger.
Mafia figures in the viewfinder
Earlier in the day, during the rally of the opposition parties, the mother of the journalist's fiancee spoke on the microphone to her daughter, without being able to hold back her tears. At the foot of the tribune, around the portrait of the young couple, small red candles brought in, lit alternately by passers-by.
Religious, NGO activists, politicians ... All point fingers and name mafia figures. There have been 16 demonstrations since the double murder and this society where speech has been freed no longer gives up public space. All call for change through the ballot box. As a family, with several generations, this Friday evening, the Slovaks promise: they will go to vote next Saturday for the legislative elections.
The current trial has shown the extent of corruption and the links between the ruling party and crime. The party in question, the Smer-SD (Social Democrat), lost all the intermediate elections and is facing these legislative elections in bad shape.
Newsletter With the Daily Newsletter, find the headlines directly in your mailbox
subscribeDownload the app
google-play-badge_FROn the same subject
Slovakia / Justice
Murder of journalist Jan Kuciak: first sentence of 15 years in prison
Slovakia
In Slovakia, ex-soldier confesses to killing journalist Jan Kuciak
Slovakia
Slovakia: Murder of journalist Jan Kuciak marks presidential election