Slovakia: two years after the murder of Jan Kuciak, a country on the street

In Bratislava, demonstration for the second anniversary of the murder of Jan Kuciak and his fiancée, on February 21, 2020. REUTERS

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.

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From 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.

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