Tragic School Stabbing in Slovakia Leaves Two Dead

The Slovak government has announced plans to amend the constitution, aiming to restrict the rights of same-sex couples and transgender individuals. Prime Minister Robert Fico, leading this initiative, expressed a desire to create "a constitutional barrier against progressivism," questioning the precedence of EU law over national law, according to reports from local officials. The proposed amendment suggests recognition of only two genders—male and female—marking a potential setback for the LGBTIQ community in Slovakia. "We must protect our traditions and the cultural and spiritual heritage of our ancestors," Fico stated during a press conference on Tuesday. This move has raised concerns among human rights advocates, who warn that such changes could undermine the progress made in recent years regarding LGBTIQ rights in Slovakia and may open legal disputes with the European Union. The government’s approach has drawn widespread criticism, with many calling it a significant regression in social rights protections.

Tens of thousands of Slovakians demonstrated across nearly 30 cities on Friday, calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Robert Fico. The protests stem from widespread dissatisfaction with Fico's perceived pro-Russia policies. Organizers claimed that approximately 60,000 participants gathered in the capital city of Bratislava alone. Demonstrators voiced their commitment to European unity, expressing sentiments such as, "Slovakia belongs to Europe. We do not want collaboration with Russia." The protests signify a growing unrest among citizens regarding the government's foreign policy direction and their desires for a closer alignment with the West.

A tragic incident occurred on January 16, 2025, in Spisska Stara Ves, Slovakia, when an 18-year-old student stabbed two females, resulting in their deaths and injuring a third. The victims, a 51-year-old female teacher and an 18-year-old student, were pronounced dead at the scene, while another 18-year-old classmate sustained injuries and was taken to the hospital for treatment. Emergency services responded rapidly to the scene at the local high school, where the attack took place shortly after classes began. Authorities confirmed that the perpetrator was apprehended shortly after the incident, as stated by the police. Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok, along with the Minister of Education and the Chief of Police, visited the site to assess the situation. This brutal event has shocked a nation where violent episodes are uncommon, only recalling a recent assassination attempt on Prime Minister Robert Fico last May. The Slovak President Peter Pellegrini expressed his condolences and reaffirmed that such violence is not a solution to any problem, emphasizing the need for peaceful resolutions.