Wartime Slovak State commemorated with protest clashes

The wartime Slovak State, which was subject to Nazi Germany draws many emotions even 76 years after its foundation. Dozens of nationalists gathered in Bratislava to take part in a 'March for Independent Slovakia' on Saturday, 14 March, which is the date when the Slovak state was set up in 1939. According to the organisers of the march, they wanted to call on Slovaks to liberate themselves from the 'jail of the European Union' and call for returning sovereignty and independence to Slovakia. A counter protest was convened by 'Bratislava without Nazis Initiative' on the SNP Square, where around 30 publicly known figures supported the initiative with a statement entitled 'Together Against Hate'. They view the setting up of the wartime Slovak Republic as "one of the most tragic moments in Slovakia's history", when part of its citizens was deprived of their rights and put to repression and death. The police managed to prevent a clash between nationalists and anti-fascists; however both sides exchanged a few spicy shouts. Every year the final destination of the nationalists is Martinský Cintorín cemetery, which features the grave of wartime Slovak president Jozef Tiso. The Slovak state existed between 14 March 1939 and 4 April 1945.