Slovakia - July 2024
Parliament approves “Lex Assassination” restricting right to assembly
On 27 June, Parliament passed the "Lex Assassination," which the ruling coalition claims aims to enhance security following the assassination attempt on Prime Minister Robert Fico. Key measures include new rules for disallowing public gatherings that could impact privacy or that raise the risks of clashes among competing events. New measures also include restrictions on gatherings close to residences of individuals related to the gathering's purpose and a host of new allowances for certain officials. Former Justice Minister and opposition MP Mária Kolíková warned the law could lead to a "police state". Amnesty International said the aim is to crack down on the right to peaceful assembly. The law was signed by President Peter Pellegrini on 8 July and took effect on 15 July.
Sources: Aktuality, Amnesty International, Euractiv, Radio Slovakia International (1), Radio Slovakia International (2), International IDEA
Constitutional Court upholds controversial parts of penal code reform
On 3 July, the Constitutional Court ruled that key provisions of a controversial penal code amendment approved by Parliament in February are legal. The legislation was set to take effect in March, but then-President Zuzana Čaputová and opposition parties requested a constitutional review of the reform. This legislation sparked protests across Slovakia, while the ruling coalition expedited the changes by skipping standard review procedures and restricting parliamentary debate. Among the provisions deemed constitutionally valid are the abolition of the Special Prosecutor’s Office, which handled cases of organized crime, corruption, and extremism; a reduction in sentences for serious crimes; and shortened statutes of limitations. Opposition parties criticized the reform and the European Commission warned of possible financial repercussions. On 16 July, amid concerns about losing access to EU funds, the Parliament tweaked the Criminal Code, approving harsher penalties for crimes involving EU funding.
Sources: Constitutional Court of Slovakia, Politico, International IDEA, European Interest, Euractiv, European Commission
Rule of Law
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