The United Nations has flagged growing concerns regarding the state of fundamental freedoms and civic space in Slovakia. UN Special Rapporteurs and Independent Experts on human rights have voiced their worries about a perceptible erosion in freedoms such as peaceful assembly and expression. These concerns are amplified by reports of increased governmental surveillance and politically motivated actions that appear to contravene international law. More details can be found in the full article.
Authorities in Slovakia have been criticized for targeting non-governmental organizations (NGOs), journalists, and peaceful protestors through measures such as smear campaigns, restricted press access, and manipulation of public media independence. Despite domestic protests, the Slovak parliament controversially approved a law dissolving Radio and Television of Slovakia (RTVS) in July 2024. This move has been criticized for potentially breaching provisions of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) and is regarded by critics as a potential mechanism for political control over the media. For further analysis, refer to the parliament’s decision.
As a member of the Media Freedom Coalition, Slovakia is obliged to uphold an environment that fosters press freedom. However, the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) has reported an increase in hostile conditions for journalists, alongside economic threats against independent media. The government’s labeling of internationally funded NGOs as “foreign agents” has drawn sharp criticism from over 400 Slovak NGOs, as illustrated in their open letter to the government.
Moreover, the dissolution of the Special Prosecutor’s Office, which dealt with high-profile corruption cases, has triggered concerns about accountability and the rule of law, as outlined in the government’s criminal law reforms. The adoption of the “Lex assassination” law, which restricts gatherings around government buildings, risks further eroding the right to peaceful assembly under international law.
In February 2024, amidst widespread public protests, reforms to dismantle the Special Prosecutor’s Office and reduce penalties for financial crimes were fast-tracked through parliament, raising alarms among EU bodies. These reforms have been criticized by President Zuzana Čaputová for their incompatibility with Slovakia’s constitutional framework, which can be reviewed in her official statement.