In defence of the Ombudsman of Slovakia. Statement of the Commissioner for Human Rights regarding threats towards the Ombudsman of the Slovak Republic
Date:
It is with utmost concern and strong resistance that I have received reports of mass-scale threats, a wave of hatred and the need to provide police protection to the Office of Public Defender of Rights (Ombudsman) of the Slovak Republic Róbert Dobrovodský.
The essence of the functioning of an independent legal protection body of Ombudsman in a democratic state governed by the rule of law lies in its autonomy and courage in holding the authorities to account, and in unwavering protection of the rights and freedoms of all citizens, including those from religious, national or ethnic minorities.
The actions of the Ombudsman of Slovakia, consisting in submitting the provisions that restrict the freedom of religion or the freedom of association to constitutional review, are a form of straightforward exercise of his fundamental powers. The attempts to intimidate the Ombudsman through aggression, hate speech or criminal threats must be considered a direct attack on the foundations of the democratic state and the institutions safeguarding human rights.
I express my full solidarity with Róbert Dobrovodský and all members of staff of the Office of the Slovak Ombudsman. I call on the Slovak authorities to take immediate and decisive measures to ensure the security of the office and to hold to account those who have made threats against the Ombudsman.
The independence of the Ombudsman institutions in Europe is one of the main achievements of our civilisation and political systems. It serves the protection of human dignity and should therefore be a value that is universally respected and inviolable.
Marcin Wiącek
Commissioner for Human Rights
