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Slovakia Sees Renewed Protests Against Proposed NGO Law Amid Concerns Over Russian Influence
Thousands of Slovak citizens took to the streets once again on Thursday, protesting against a proposed law that critics claim mirrors Russian-style restrictions on non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Demonstrators marched through the capital, Bratislava, chanting slogans such as “We won’t give up freedom” and “No to the Russian law,” as opposition to Prime Minister Robert Fico’s policies continues to grow.
The protests, which have been ongoing for months, reflect public discontent over Fico’s apparent political shift away from the European Union and towards closer ties with Moscow. Similar rallies were held in multiple cities across Slovakia, with further demonstrations planned for Friday.
Controversial NGO Bill Sparks Outrage
The proposed legislation, introduced by the far-right Slovak National Party (SNS), a member of Fico’s coalition government, would require select NGOs to register as lobbyists and disclose financial details, including sources of funding and donor identities. Critics argue that the bill lacks clarity in defining lobbying activities and could be used to suppress civil society organizations.
Legal experts and civic groups, including the NGO Via Iuris, have voiced concerns that the law is unconstitutional and violates European Union regulations. “This isn’t transparency – it’s surveillance,” said Eva Kováčechová, a lawyer with Via Iuris. The bill has already been fast-tracked through parliament and is expected to be voted on next week.
Government Defends Transparency Measures
The Fico administration insists the proposed law is aimed at enhancing transparency in NGO operations. In a statement on social media, Fico dismissed criticism, saying, “Stop scaring Slovaks with illusions. We do not accept any Russian laws.”
However, opponents point to Russia’s 2012 foreign agents law, which has been used to crack down on dissent. That legislation requires NGOs and individuals engaged in vaguely defined political activities and receiving foreign funds to register as “foreign agents.” Similar laws have sparked mass protests in Georgia and Hungary, with the latter repealing its version in 2021 following an EU court ruling.
Political Tensions Escalate
Public discontent over Fico’s policies has been growing since he met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow last December. Following the meeting, Fico suggested that Slovakia should reconsider its EU and NATO memberships, alarming pro-Western Slovaks who fear increased Russian influence in domestic affairs.
Opposition leaders and civil society groups accuse the Fico government of undermining democratic institutions and judicial independence. Analysts have suggested that Fico is leveraging nationalist and pro-Russian sentiment to consolidate power and weaken political opposition.
As Slovakia braces for another wave of demonstrations, the proposed NGO law remains a focal point of wider concerns over the country’s political trajectory and its relationship with the European Union. The outcome of the parliamentary vote next week is expected to shape the ongoing struggle between Fico’s government and a mobilized civil society determined to protect democratic freedoms.
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Investigation Underway After Goa Nightclub Fire Kills at Least 25
Authorities in the Indian state of Goa have opened an investigation into a nightclub fire that killed at least 25 people, including several tourists, in one of the region’s most popular party districts. Six others were injured in the blaze, which broke out shortly after midnight in Arpora, a nightlife hub about 25 kilometres from the state capital, Panaji.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed the death toll in a statement posted on X, saying the victims included many of the club’s kitchen staff and a small number of visiting tourists. He added that all the injured were in stable condition and receiving medical treatment. Rescue teams recovered all bodies from the site.
Early reports from local police, cited by the Press Trust of India, indicated that a gas cylinder explosion triggered the fire. Witnesses, however, told the agency that the blaze appeared to start on the club’s first floor, where nearly 100 tourists were dancing at the time. As smoke and flames swept through the building, many people ran toward the lower floor, where they became trapped along with staff members.
Sawant said a formal inquiry would determine the exact cause and whether the club complied with fire safety regulations. He pledged strict action against anyone found responsible, writing on X that any negligence uncovered by investigators would be “dealt with firmly”.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as patrons attempted to flee the burning building. “We rushed out of the club only to see that the entire structure was up in flames,” said Fatima Shaikh, who was inside when the fire began.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences in a message on X, calling the incident “deeply saddening” and wishing the injured a swift recovery.
Local media reported that the club’s location along the Arpora River backwaters posed challenges for emergency crews. A narrow approach road forced fire engines to park about 400 metres from the entrance, slowing their response. Reports also revealed that the building had previously received a demolition notice after officials found it lacked a construction permit. That order was later withdrawn by senior state authorities, according to Arpora councillor Roshan Redkar.
Incidents involving gas cylinders and electrical faults are not unusual in India and often lead to heavy casualties, prompting renewed calls for stronger enforcement of safety standards. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the tragedy as a “criminal failure of safety and governance” and urged a transparent investigation to establish accountability and prevent future disasters.
The probe into the fire is expected to assess structural safety, emergency exits and compliance with existing regulations as authorities work to piece together how the late-night gathering turned into one of the deadliest incidents in the state in recent years.
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