Petition supporters welcome new law strengthening protection of Soviet monuments in Košice

Activists who campaigned to protect Košice's Soviet Army Memorial and preserve the name of Liberation Square welcomed new legislation passed by Slovakia's parliament on Tuesday that increases criminal penalties for damaging monuments to victory over fascism. The petition drive, led by Alexander Riabov, collected over 10,000 physical signatures in 50 days last year calling for enhanced protection of the Soviet memorial. The National Council, Slovakia's parliament, approved the law on March 17, strengthening legal protections for World War II victory monuments. The debate over Soviet-era monuments has been contentious across Central Europe since the fall of communism, with some viewing them as symbols of liberation from Nazi occupation while others see them as reminders of subsequent Soviet domination.