Ambassadors active in Slovakia have expressed their shock and grief over the murder of journalist Jan Kuciak and his partner Martina Kušnírová.
“We note with special concern Police Chief Tibor Gašpar’s statements that the murder appears to have been premeditated and most likely connected to Mr. Kuciak’s work as an investigative journalist,” US Ambassador to Slovakia, Adam Sterling, stated in his official statement on the case. “If true, we echo Prime Minister Fico’s statement that the attack is an “unprecedented attack on freedom of the press and democracy in Slovakia.” In open, democratic societies journalists must be able to work freely and safely. This horrific crime calls for a determined investigation and the swift prosecution of those responsible.”
“We are shocked and saddened by this terrible crime,” the UK Embassy in Bratislava wrote on their Facebook profile. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Jan and Martina's families and friends at this difficult time.”
The embassy noted that investigative journalists play “a vital role in defending democratic societies and we condemn any violence against them”, and declared the readiness of the UK to help the Slovak authorities in their investigation.
French Ambassador to Slovakia, Christophe Léonzi, also sent his condolences to the families of the two murdered people and condemned the murders.
“We are shocked by their violent death,” Léonzi said on Twitter, as quoted by the TASR newswire, and added that journalists through their everyday work fight for freedom and democracy.
