Slovakian Lawmakers on Wednesday Passed a Law to Require Non-Governental Organizations to Disclose Their Funding Sources as Well as The Names of Major Contributors.
The Law Introduces Fines for Those Who Fail to Comply.
While populist Prime Minister Robert Fico Presented the Legislation as a Move Toward Greater Transparency, Critics Accused the Law of Restricting Civil Society Institutions.
There were across the country demonstrations Against the Law Earlier This Month, with the federal government ultimate scaling back some steps.
Two Weeks Ago, Thousands of Demonstrators Rallied Against The Measure in the Capital, Bratislava, and various other Cities.
Slovakia’s Controversial Ngo Law
Opposition Groups Say the Law They Dubbed the “Russian Law” Could Be Used to Silence Critics.
“We call it a russian law not going because it is a copy of the Russian one but what inspired by Russia and in variety with the constitution and eu law,” Said Katarina Batkova, Director of by means of Iuris, among the earliest civil culture companies in the nation.
Slovakia Removes Controversial Language Amid Criticism
Before the Final Vote, The Government Removed Some of the More Controversial Proposals Included In The Bill, Including A Commission to Label Ngos as “Lobbyist Groups” and “Foreign Agents” Following Criticism from the European Commission.
“This Law is Neither Russian Nor American, but Clearly European,” Fico Later Said During A Parliamary Debate.
A Similar Bill Was Passed Last Year By Georgian Lawmakers and the Move Saw Protests Take Place Both Before and After the Passage of the Bill.
There as well, doubters attracted parallels to the Russian law that has been in Force Since 2012
Big Protests Against Tighttening Control Over Ngos
Since December, The Slovak Government Has Seennumerous Waves of Protests Becaus of Its Russia-Friendly Politics
Unses Vetoed by Newly Elected President Peter Pellegrini, The Law is Expected to Take Effect on June 1.
Edited by: Roshni Majumdar
