Sutaj Estok Condemns Violence and Calls for Responsible Behaviour in Public

Bratislava, 11 January 11 (TASR) - Rejecting violence must go hand in hand with responsible behaviour in public, Interior Minister and Voice-SD leader Matus Sutaj Estok said on Sunday in response to reports of an attack on SME daily newspaper commentator Peter Schutz, emphasising that he condemns all violence without exception. "Physical attacks are unacceptable and have no justification in a democratic society. At the same time, however, it is necessary to remember that the public sphere has long been confronted with polarising and dehumanising statements that increase tension in society. Even the alleged attack on the commentator, which has been widely reported in the media, can't lead to him being absolved of responsibility for his words, which contributed to the escalation of emotions and the division of the public," the interior minister wrote on social media. Vice-premier Tomas Taraba (a Slovak National Party/SNS nominee) also condemned this violent act. "People can never use violence to replace law enforcement bodies, which don't function in Slovakia and pretend that journalists are above the law and have the power to dehumanise anyone," he wrote on social media, adding that justice in Slovakia is not blind, but "extremely selective". Leader of the opposition Progressive Slovakia (PS) party Michal Simecka also strongly condemned the attack on Schutz. "Regardless of whether it was a random act of aggression or revenge for his work, violence has no place in our society. We've had very tragic experiences with hateful attacks on journalists in Slovakia. I believe that the attacker will be found, and I wish Peter Schutz a full recovery," he posted on social media. The opposition Christian Democrats (KDH) have called for a thorough investigation of the incident by relevant authorities. They condemn any physical violence, including the physical assault on the commentator. "Unfortunately, journalists are often the target of violent attacks. Respect for freedom of expression and different opinions is part of a healthy society. We call on society not to resort to violent acts against anyone under any circumstances," the Christian Democrats said in a statement. SME daily newspaper commentator Peter Schutz was attacked in Kosice on Saturday afternoon (10 January). According to SME, an unknown person struck him on the head in a shopping centre. As a result, the commentator fell and suffered a broken thigh bone, and must undergo a surgery. The police are dealing with the case and launched criminal proceedings in the matter due to a misdemeanour of bodily harm. am