The U.S. Embassy advises the community of several upcoming scheduled demonstrations.  Regardless of the organizers intended goal of the protest, other organizations could take advantage of the protest to promote their own agenda and encourage violence or clashes with police.

Event 1

Location:   Hodzovo námestie (at the Presidential Palace) and Hviezdoslavovo námestie (at the U.S. Embassy)

Time:         Friday, May 5 from 15:00 to 22:00

Event: Thousands of protestors are expected to participate in a scheduled demonstration in front of the U.S. Embassy and the Presidential Palace.  Although the protest is mostly directed at the Government of Slovakia, strong anti-NATO and anti-U.S. sentiment is expected.  There is a chance of road closures and traffic disruptions.  U.S. government personnel have been advised to leave the Embassy before 16:00 and avoid the areas of the demonstrations.

Event 2

Location:   Slavin Monument

Time:         Tuesday, May 9 from 08:00 to 15:00

Event: About 500 participants are expected at a commemoration of the 78^th anniversary of the victory over fascism.

Event 3

Location:   Hodzovo námestie (at the Presidential Palace)

Time:         Tuesday, May 9 from 16:00 to 20:00

Event: About 500 participants are expected at a remembrance ceremony in front of the Presidential Palace, followed by speeches on the social situation in Slovakia.

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 Spectatoris a 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 1-888-407-4747toll-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
•    Follow us on Twitter and Facebook

By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 4 May, 2023 | Topics: Alert