Trnava Region: Construction Begins on Freedom of Speech Memorial in Velka Maca
dnes 14:48
Velka Maca, 5 August (TASR) – The Trnava Region began construction on the Freedom of Speech Memorial on Tuesday in Velka Maca in commemoration of murdered journalist Jan Kuciak and his fiancee Martina Kusnirova, TASR learnt on Tuesday.
The memorial is being built on the site of their former home. Excavation works have started at the rear section of the site, where a retaining wall and future greenery will be located.
„This public space is going to serve as a reminder that freedom of speech and truth hold value for the entire Slovak society," said Trnava Governor Jozef Viskupic. He recalled that in 2018, Kuciak and Kusnirova were posthumously awarded the Anton Srholec Freedom Award, the region’s highest honour for promoting democratic values.
The region has also organised several conferences on justice, freedom of expression, and the development of civil society.
The parents of the murdered couple, Jozef Kuciak and Zlatica Kusnirova, expressed their gratitude for the creation of the memorial. „This is a quiet space with a grassy area, a place for reflection and remembrance. But we would much rather visit our children at home, not here. Jan and Martina were murdered. And now, all we can do is remind others why this must never happen again," Kuciak said.
The ceremonial unveiling of the memorial is planned for 2026. The project is being carried out by CS company, which won the public tender with a bid of €570,000 including VAT.
Jan Kuciak and Martina Kusnirova were murdered on 21 February 2018 in their family home in Velka Maca. Perpetrators Miroslav Marcek and Tomas Szabo were sentenced to 25 years in prison, while Zoltan Andruskó received a 15-year sentence. The trial involving the alleged masterminds of the murder has not yet reached a final verdict.
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