Bratislava, Slovakia – In the aftermath of an attempt on the life of Prime Minister Robert Fico, concerns about the safety of journalists in Slovakia have heightened. The incident, which took place as Fico was meeting members of the public in Bratislava, has sparked accusations from some politicians towards independent media outlets, blaming them for inciting hatred against the Prime Minister.
Tensions between the media and the governing coalition, led by Fico’s Smer party, have been escalating since the coalition took office last year. Following the assassination attempt on May 15, coalition members linked the attack to critical reporting on Fico, accusing the media of contributing to the hostile environment.
The 71-year-old assailant who targeted the Prime Minister is believed to have been motivated by political reasons. Despite calls to refrain from assigning blame for the attack to any specific group, senior coalition members have continued to blame the media for stoking dissent against the government.
Journalists and press freedom advocates in Slovakia are alarmed by the increasing risk of violent attacks targeting reporters. The International Press Institute (IPI) emphasized that journalists should not be held accountable for such acts of violence, as doing so only serves to exacerbate tensions and raise the likelihood of future incidents.
For years, Fico and his party have criticized individual media outlets and journalists for their critical coverage of the government. The murder of journalist Jan Kuciak in 2018, while investigating corruption linked to Fico’s administration, led to public outrage and calls for Fico’s resignation.
Since returning to power, Fico and his coalition have continued their attacks on journalists they perceive as adversaries. Legislation proposed by the government has raised concerns about the potential curtailment of media freedom in the country.
In the wake of the assassination attempt on Fico, newsrooms have enhanced their security measures, and the government has promised additional protection for groups at elevated risk, including the media. However, media rights organizations stress the importance of political leaders taking decisive action to de-escalate tensions in society and ensure the safety of journalists.
While some government officials have made efforts to calm the situation, others have persisted in their criticism of specific media outlets. The future of media freedom in Slovakia remains uncertain, with fears that repressive measures may further hinder the work of journalists in the country.
In the midst of this crisis, journalists in Slovakia continue to carry out their work diligently, hoping for a resolution that safeguards press freedom and promotes a harmonious relationship between the media and political entities. The aftermath of the assassination attempt underscores the urgent need for dialogue and collaboration to protect journalists and uphold media independence.