Slovak Government Urged to End Repression of NGOs, Journalists, and Civil Society

Over the past year, Slovakia has experienced a troubling decline in fundamental freedoms, with increasing pressure on NGOs, the media, and peaceful protesters.

A group of independent human rights experts has called on the Slovak Government to immediately halt the stigmatisation and persecution of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), journalists, and civil society groups, as well as to cease the use of surveillance systems for political repression.

Over the past year, Slovakia has experienced a troubling decline in fundamental freedoms, with increasing pressure on NGOs, the media, and peaceful protesters. The Government's rhetoric labeling internationally funded NGOs as "foreign agents" has sparked fears of growing restrictions on political dissent and democratic freedoms.

Human rights experts expressed deep concerns over Government actions that threaten the independence of key institutions and undermine freedoms of speech and assembly. They urged Slovak authorities to take immediate steps to uphold the right to peaceful assembly and free expression, in full compliance with international human rights standards.

Journalists and human rights defenders have increasingly become targets of Government smear campaigns, with independent media outlets facing restrictions on press access to official events. Plans to overhaul the public broadcaster, potentially exposing it to political influence, have sparked widespread condemnation and led to a general strike in the media sector.

Additionally, the controversial "Lex Assassination" law has further curtailed citizens' rights to protest, imposing stringent restrictions on demonstrations near government buildings and private residences, in direct violation of international human rights law.

Reports have also emerged of activists being subjected to surveillance through spyware such as Pegasus, excessive use of police force against peaceful protesters, arbitrary detentions, and inhumane detention conditions. The criminalisation of human rights defenders has further deepened concerns about Slovakia's commitment to democratic values.

The dissolution of the Special Prosecutor's Office, which had been investigating high-level corruption, and the subsequent transfer of its powers to the Attorney General's Office have raised alarms about the weakening of accountability and oversight mechanisms.

Human rights experts are actively engaging with Slovak authorities to address these concerns and ensure that fundamental freedoms and democratic values are upheld in the country.