The government of Robert Fico has announced plans to create specialised courts tasked exclusively with handling cases against members of the press. This development marks a dangerous escalation in the coalition’s long-standing efforts to suppress critical journalism, which it frequently labels as harmful to Slovakia. Such actions threaten the foundations of media freedom, a cornerstone of democratic governance and the rule of law.
Specialised Courts to Target Journalists
The proposed courts, to be integrated into Bratislava IV City Court, would focus solely on lawsuits against media outlets, including defamation claims and disputes over rights to reply. According to coalition representatives, the aim is to expedite press-related cases, currently subject to delays of up to four years.
While framed as a practical reform, the proposal is widely seen as part of Fico’s broader agenda to intimidate and silence critical voices in the media. This follows the government’s pattern of enacting legislation designed to stifle dissent. A recently approved law strengthens politicians’ rights to demand corrections from media outlets, even when no factual inaccuracies are demonstrated, with fines reaching €15,000 for non-compliance.
Erosion of Media Freedom
The government’s adversarial relationship with the press is deeply entrenched. Over the years, Fico and his coalition have consistently vilified journalists, accusing them of undermining the state. The murder of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak in 2018, which exposed corruption at the highest levels, further exacerbated these tensions. Since then, successive policies have aimed to constrain the media’s ability to hold power to account, culminating in the current push for specialised courts.
By shifting the burden of proof onto journalists and forcing them to reveal sources, the coalition’s legal initiatives weaponise the judiciary against the press. Such measures not only undermine media independence but also embolden political actors to use the courts as a tool for harassment and censorship.
Criticism from Experts and International Observers
Legal experts and former ministers have condemned the proposed courts as impractical and harmful. Mária Kolíková, a former justice minister, warned of the dangers of over-specialisation in the judiciary, which could narrow judicial expertise and disrupt broader legal processes. Viliam Karas, another ex-minister, called the move a “poorly thought-out” initiative that would burden citizens and compromise judicial efficiency.
Internationally, Slovakia’s actions stand in stark contrast to European Union efforts to protect media freedom. While the EU pushes to shield journalists from Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), the Fico government appears intent on increasing the risks and penalties for Slovakia’s media professionals.
A Broader Trend of Media Suppression
This initiative is the latest in a series of legislative moves targeting the press. The Slovak National Party (SNS), a coalition partner, has spearheaded laws granting politicians greater leeway to demand corrections and apologies from the media, irrespective of the accuracy of the reporting. Such measures reflect a deliberate strategy to normalise state control over independent journalism.
Source: Nina Janešíková | Denník N
