Fair Trials condemns ongoing attacks on civil society by the Slovenian government. In their latest attack on civil society, the Slovenian government is evicting JUSTICIA member Peace Institute, as well as 18 other non-governmental organisations (NGOs), from the building in Ljubljana, where they have been based for two decades. All the occupants are engaged in defending human rights, culture, media freedom and the environment. NGOs in Slovenia are increasingly being targeted by the government’s restrictive measures and hostile rhetoric. The media, the judiciary and independent state bodies are also under attack.
The Peace Institute received the termination of its lease on 19 October, the same day as the start of a national curfew. The Ministry of Culture ordered all occupants to vacate the building by 31 January 2021. Legal and financial restrictions have been taken against NGOs and the pandemic is another opportunity to squash opposition.
The building at No. 6 Metelkova, is the only place in Slovenia that the Ministry of Culture has dedicated to independent cultural, artistic and research organisations. All the organisations that have premises at this address are designated as operating in the public interest.
Fair Trials stands in solidarity with the Peace Institute and Slovenian civil society. Please join us in signing this petition, and share it with your network: https://www.petitions.net/international_support_for_non-governmental_organizations_at_no_6_metelkova_street_in_ljubljana_slovenia
The JUSTICIA European Rights Network is the EU-wide network of civil society organisations working on criminal justice and human rights coordinated by Fair Trials.