Public, media and even politicians are criticizing the decision by the local court in Trenčín region that 12 Greenpeace activists from several countries will be prosecuted while in custody. Last week, they climbed a mining tower at Nováky (Trenčín region) mine with banners to protest against coal mining in Slovakia.
"For the first time ever in Slovakia, environmental activists are to be dealt with in custody for a non-violent action that didn't see anyone injured, or any property damaged. This is a measure ordinarily used with dangerous criminals who might continue in their criminal activities or flee from justice," said Greenpeace spokesperson Ivana Kohútková.
Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini (Smer-SD) wrote on his social media profile that while he does not share Greenpeace's opinions on coal mining in the Upper Nitra area and disagrees with its methods, "it should be considered whether it's really the best possible move to remand twelve young people in custody".
"We understand that not everyone understands the way we protest, however, these steps come after negotiations with local and national politicians and hearing lots of arguments. In this case we carried out a test which showed alarming figures concerning arsenic in the ground and water" stressed Greenpeace spokesperson Ivana Kohútková.
In his reaction, Justice Minister Gábor Gál said that he had no right to comment court decisions. However, he added that as a citizen and attorney he is surprised by it. "The way Greenpeace carries out its mission often has signs of breaching the law. However, their activities have often forced competent organs to take steps in problems of worldwide significance, when the environment or human health was endangered," said Gál.
Meanwhile, TASR on Sunday also received written statements criticising the court's move from Opposition parties Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) and Ordinary People (OĽaNO), plus extra parliamentary parties Progressive Slovakia, Together and the Christian Democrats (KDH).
