In Slovakia, a Ukrainian citizen has been arrested in connection with the alleged threat of a state coup. According to the newspaper Aktuality, the man is expected to be deported “in the near future” citing a statement from Slovak Police Chief Jana Mashkarova. The newspaper quoted the official as saying, “The man is currently at the border police directorate, where his administrative deportation is being carried out. [..] He has the right to apply for asylum.”
When asked if there were other suspects in the alleged plot to overthrow the government, Mashkarova replied that she could not provide any further information. Richard Glück, the chairman of the Defense and Security Committee of the Slovak Parliament, later confirmed that only “one person might not be able to do it.”
Meanwhile, the opposition party Sloboda a Solidarita (SaS, or Freedom and Solidarity) accused the governing coalition of simply finding a “scapegoat.” If a coup were being prepared, it would mean that there is a junta that will take power by force, which requires a minimum of secrecy, the opposition lawmakers said. They demanded information about the arrested man and the progress of the investigation into the alleged coup.
On January 24, mass protests took place in Slovakia, with participants calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Robert Fico. According to the organizers, around 100,000 people attended the rallies. The demonstrations were prepared by the civil organization “Peace for Ukraine” which has criticized Fico’s actions, particularly his trip to Moscow and meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the end of last year. The next demonstration in Bratislava is scheduled for February 7.
On January 23, Fico convened an emergency meeting of the Security Council and informed the members about the presence of an “expert group” in Slovakia, allegedly preparing a coup against the government. He also accused the opposition of “stirring chaos.