Slovak Parliament Passes New Laws After Assassination Attempt on Fico

The Slovak Parliament has approved a legislative package aimed at strengthening security measures for leading politicians and others in response to the assassination attempt on Prime Minister Robert Fico, according to AP.

The measures, which were approved by the coalition government on June 12, will come into effect on July 15, pending confirmation from Slovak President Peter Pellegrini.

However, the package has been criticized by the opposition and the human rights organization Amnesty International, particularly as an attempt to restrict the right to assemble.

Under the legislation, authorities will have the power to prohibit protests in front of politicians' homes and residential areas. Protests will also be banned near government and presidential buildings. The Ministry of Interior will disclose and prepare the long-term residences of the Prime Minister, President, and Speaker of Parliament, which are required to be used.

Protection will also be extended to leaders of all political parties represented in parliament, the Attorney General, and the President of the Constitutional Court.