The Gorilla Protest planned for Friday, March 9, in Bratislava’s Námestie Slobody / Freedom Square should be the culmination of all protests so far, one of the organisers, Peter Pčolinský, told the TASR newswire. The protest should also be attended by one of the leaders of Iceland’s protest movement, Hordur Torfarson.
Organisers again plan to march through the capital, but the route is not yet known. The event should take place in several towns and cities simultaneously. Pčolinský said that political parties that are “not afraid” of facing voters can address the protest, which will take place one day before the general election slated for March 10.
The protest organisers say they have three demands: to limit MPs’ immunity from prosecution to statements and votes in parliament; to adopt a package of anti-corruption measures drafted by Transparency International Slovensko; and to make the system for holding referendums operate more effectively.
They intend to back their demands with two petitions: one to be handed over to parliament; the other to spark a referendum. The protesters would thus need to collect 100,000 signatures for the first and 350,000 signatures for the latter, organiser Lucia Gallová said. Pčolinský promised that the Gorilla Protests would continue after the general election.
Organisers also plan an event on Wednesday, March 7: a ceremonial laying of wreaths, burning of candles and “burial of democracy” in front of the Slovak Parliament.
Source: TASR
Compiled by Zuzana Vilikovská from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
7. Mar 2012 at 14:00
