A law imposing new obligations on non-governmental organisations officially expires on Tuesday after Slovakia’s parliament failed to bring it into line with the Constitution. Public Defender of Rights Róbert Dobrovodský said the legislation automatically ceases to be valid six months after the Constitutional Court’s ruling was published.
The court declared the law unconstitutional last December, saying requirements for NGOs to disclose donors and financial reports violated the rights to privacy, personal data protection and freedom of association. It also struck down provisions requiring NGOs to respond to requests under the Freedom of Information Act. Dobrovodský welcomed the law's expiry, saying it protects fundamental rights and prevents unnecessary administrative burdens on civil society organisations.
Source: TASR
