Good evening. Here is the Wednesday, July 30 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in a few minutes.
Police raid in Roma settlement faces new investigation
The Roma settlement in Moldava nad Bodvou, where the police raid took place in 2013. (source: SME - VLADIMÍR ŠIMÍČEK)
More than 12 years ago, an infamous police raid took place in the village of Moldava nad Bodvou, in the Košice Region. Dozens of police officers stormed its Roma settlement of Budulovská, wielding batons and violently attacking anyone in their path. They kicked in doors, smashed windows, and left several Roma residents with visible injuries to their faces and ribs, as described in their testimonies.
The police dismissed allegations of misconduct. Then-interior minister Robert Kaliňák (Smer) claimed the media coverage was misleading. The events ultimately led to the prosecution of the actual victims. It would take years for those affected to see any measure of justice: the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) awarded them compensation in two separate rulings, one in 2020 and another in 2022.
The first ruling also found that the case had not been properly investigated. A renewed investigation was launched in 2023 – but assigned to the same investigator who had previously concluded that the police officers were the victims. That investigation was later closed due to the statute of limitations having expired.
However, the Sme daily now reports that the police inspectorate has taken a different view. A new investigator has reopened the case, initiating fresh criminal proceedings for abuse of power by a public official and bodily harm.
WHAT’S THE CASE NOW: According to the inspectorate, the 2013 raid was carried out as an act of revenge for an earlier incident – an attack on two police officers that took place three days prior. The individuals responsible for that attack were prosecuted at the time.
The new investigator alleges that the officers involved in the raid abused their authority and acted out of ethnic hatred. The violence was indiscriminate and not based on any reasonable suspicion. Repressive methods were allegedly tolerated, in breach of police duties. Officers reportedly violated residents’ rights, unlawfully entered homes, and damaged property. The investigation also details a case of bodily harm caused by the use of tear gas on a child, which led to medical complications.
The inspectorate further reports that some Roma residents were taken to a police station, where they endured “physical and psychological suffering”. Officers are said to have mocked, threatened, and assaulted them in full view of others – seemingly to intimidate and instil fear.
WHAT THE VICTIMS’ LAWYER SAYS: Michal Zálešák, who represented the victims in court, expressed surprise at the development, admitting he had not expected anyone to be held accountable for the raid. After an initial reading of the decision, he cautiously noted that the new investigator appears to recognise the same actions that had previously been examined.
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A NEW HAVEN: Bratislava now has a new space for recreation and education. Once a neglected locality, the site of a former forester’s lodge in Petržalka has been transformed into a clean, welcoming environment.
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TRAVEL: With shade provided by towering trees and air refreshed by the flowing river, an island in the Hron River in southern Slovakia has become a local haven for active leisure.
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SLOVAK MATTERS
A Slovak summer staple
Illustrative image. (source: TASR)
The opekačka is a quintessential Slovak summer experience – despite the smoke, mosquitoes, and occasional burns. While several English terms might approximate it, none truly capture its essence. At its core, it involves cooking meat over an open fire, but there’s more to it than that. Have your friends invited you to an opekačka? Here are a few words that might come in handy.
Now that the ban on open fires in Bratislava’s forests has been lifted – be sure to check your local municipality’s regulations or consult the Fire and Rescue Service Facebook page first– you could even host your own.
EVENT FOR THE WEEKEND
Metal mayhem returns to the Danube
A metalhead during a previous edition of the festival. (source: TASR)
From Friday to Sunday, the Pink Whale venue on the Danube will host the third edition of the Bordel na Dunaji festival (literally “Mess on the Danube”), featuring metal bands across a range of subgenres – not only from Slovakia, but as far afield as Japan and the United States. This will be the final time the Pink Whale hosts the festival, so make it count with a proper headbang. Tickets are available for individual days (€35) or as a full weekend pass (€70).
IN OTHER NEWS
Opposition party Progressive Slovakia has accused Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer) of using “conspiracies about foreign powers influencing Slovakia” to deflect attention from an alleged two-percentage-point increase in VAT as part of upcoming consolidation efforts. “Expect more conspiracies, fabrications, and attempts to distract – including talk of foreign interference, coups, or two genders,” said party chair Michal Šimečka. The Finance Ministry declined to comment on any details of the consolidation plan, stating it would not respond to what it described as political provocations. More than a week earlier, the non-parliamentary Demokrati party also raised the possibility of a tax increase, though without naming a specific figure. (SME, TASR)
The British Embassy in Slovakia has promised to clarify its activities related to information on alleged interference in the 2023 Slovak parliamentary elections, the Slovak Foreign Ministry has announced following a meeting with British Ambassador Nigel Baker. The embassy is expected to provide the information in August, after which Slovakia will evaluate the findings and decide on any further action. (TASR)
Police have announced an investigation into possible interference by the United Kingdom in Slovak affairs ahead of the 2023 parliamentary elections. The investigation is being conducted in cooperation with several state institutions, including the intelligence services. (Police via Facebook)
From left: tennis player Eszter Méri, runner Patrik Dömötör and tennis player Martina Marušinová with their medals from the 2025 FISU Summer World University Games in Germany. (source: TASR)
Citing a rise in cases of nicotine intoxication reported by the National Institute of Children’s Diseases (NÚDCH) earlier this summer, Children’s Commissioner Jozef Mikloško has called for a ban on the online sale of nicotine products. He argues that minors are still able to access such products despite existing checks. According to NÚDCH, the use of nicotine pouches and vapes in particular among underage users is on the rise. Mikloško is also calling for effective legal measures to prevent the sale of addictive substances to children. The Health Ministry has said it is preparing new measures. (TASR)
The Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAV) has completed its analysis of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 and stated it is ready to share its findings with the public, pending the setting of a date by the Health Ministry. (TASR)
Since the establishment of the National Defence Forces (NOS) on July 1, the Defence Ministry has confirmed 1,065 applications for training as of July 2. In total, 5,260 individuals have submitted applications. (Defence Ministry via Facebook)
Due to unfavourable weather, most outdoor swimming pools in Bratislava remain closed. The Zlaté Piesky recreational area is open and currently free of charge. The indoor Pasienky pool remains open as well. For the latest updates, check the Facebook page of the Sports and Recreational Facilities Administration (STaRZ).
Following repairs, the iconic shield of the Lekáreň u Červeného Raka pharmacy has been reinstalled on its original façade in Bratislava’s city centre.
The damaged emblem, depicting a red crayfish, had been on display inside the pharmacy’s visitor centre for several months. According to the Bratislava City Museum, which manages the historic site, the crayfish is a traditional symbol of healing. Medieval manuscripts even refer to its use in medicine. (source: TASR)
WEATHER FOR THURSDAY: Cloud cover will gradually increase throughout the day, with showers and rain expected – and occasional storms. Daytime temperatures will range between 20°C and 28°C. (SHMÚ)
JULY 31 NAME DAY IN SLOVAKIA: Do you know anyone named Ignác? Then don't forget to wish them Všetko najlepšie!
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