Location: Hodzovo námestie (at the Presidential Palace) and Hviezdoslavovo námestie (at the U.S. Embassy)
Time: Friday, March 3 from 17:00 to 20:00
Event: Up to 2000 protestors are expected to participate in a scheduled demonstration in front of the U.S. Embassy and the Presidential Palace.
The protest is directed at the Government of Slovakia, but strong anti-NATO and anti-U.S. sentiment is expected. Other organizations could take advantage of the protest to promote their own agenda and encourage violence or clashes with police. There is a chance of road closures and traffic disruptions. U.S. government personnel have been advised to leave the Embassy before 17:00 and avoid the areas of the demonstrations.
Actions to Take:
· Avoid the area of the demonstrations.
· Keep a low profile and pay attention to your surroundings.
· Exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.
· Monitor local media for updates: Slovak Spectator, local English language newspaper; Radio RSI is a radio station with some English.
Assistance:
· Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
· Contact the U.S. Embassy in Slovakia located at Hviezdoslavovo namestie 4-5 in Bratislava, at +02 5443 0861, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. The after-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +0903 703 666.
· To reach Consular Affairs in Washington, D.C., call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
· Visit the wepage of the U.S. Embassy in Bratislava
