Three years have passed since the terrorist attack on Zámocká Street in Bratislava, where the attacker murdered two members of the LGBTI+ community and seriously injured Radka Trokšiarová. The deaths of Matúš Horváth and Juraj Vankulič were commemorated on Sunday by several politicians and public officials.
President Peter Pellegrini said that today’s anniversary serves as a reminder of how far hatred can go. In his written statement, he said: “As a society, we must reject any violence against innocent people based on their race, skin color, sexual orientation, religion, or political views. The state and all of us must demonstrate strength and maturity to ensure that such attacks never happen again.”
SNS MP Roman Michelko emphasized that under Slovak anti-discrimination law, no one can be persecuted for their sexual orientation. “Any act of political terrorism must be condemned. The madman from Zámocká Street was primarily a virulent anti-Semite, and only secondarily had issues with LGBT activism,” stated Michelko.
Martin Dubéci, Parliamentary Vice-Chair from Progresívne Slovensko, highlighted that since the attack, the situation for LGBTI+ people has not improved. “Two human lives were lost here, and I ask: is this country truly for everyone?” asked Dubéci adding that in three years, absolutely nothing has been done to address this issue.
Ombudsman Róbert Dobrovodský also expressed regret that Slovakia has not progressed as it should have since the tragedy. Several public figures and organizations, including the Police Corps of the Slovak Republic, commemorated the tragedy on social media. Memorial events were also held in Brno and Prague.
Source: Marián Žáry Kukelka Slovenský rozhlas
