Wednesday saw widespread commemorations of the murder of journalist Jan Kuciak and his girlfriend, six years ago.
There were demonstrations in Bratislava and other cities in Slovakia, as well as in countries around Europe, among them Brussels. In Bratislava, the crowd was estimated at six to seven thousand by newspaper Sme.
“Two innocent young people were murdered only because they selflessly and honestly did what they believed in,” stated the leader of the largest opposition party Michal Simecka.
Igor Matovič, who became Prime Minister after the murders caused an uproar in the country, said that Kuciak devoted his entire professional life to exposing the crimes of the government at that time. He added that Kuciak's message is also important for journalists, who should always search for the truth.
But Justice Minister Boris Susko said Wednesday that the topic of the murder of Ján Kuciak and his fiancee is being abused for political purposes.
Finance Minister Kamenicky said: "Every death of a young person is a tragic event, and this one was too. Everyone should honor their death, but let's not make it a big political issue," stated Kamenický.
Minister of the Environment Tomáš Taraba said the investigations had only produced three convictions and called that „a sad calling card of the Office of the Special Prosecutor and the National Criminal Agency.“
Michiel Bicker Caarten, Photo: TASR
