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Imagine living in a country where speaking out could cost you your life. This is the reality for Slovak civil rights activist Kolina Farsa, who bravely fights for press freedom and democracy in a politically charged environment.
For safety reasons, Kolina must remain vigilant. Filming is limited, locations are kept secret, and security measures are a must. It's not a covert operation, but rather a necessary precaution in a country where the conflict between political camps is escalating.
Journalists here face threats and attacks, making their work hazardous. Kolina leads us to a memorial for Yan Czak, a journalist murdered six years ago in an unsolved case. His death sparked Slovakia's largest movement to defend civil rights and press freedom, co-founded by Kolina.
But this activism comes at a personal cost. Kolina has received death threats and faces constant danger. "It was unexpected for me at first," she admits. "But soon I realized this is something that happens to journalists and people active in public life."
Even Slovakia's Prime Minister, Robert Fico, has been targeted. Last May, he narrowly survived being shot five times at close range. This violence seems omnipresent in Slovakia, infiltrating thought, language, and everyday politics.
Hatred is widespread, with government and opposition alike engaging in inflammatory rhetoric. Kolina shows us a video where Fico, then the opposition leader, insults President Zuzana Caputova. This kind of language tells you something about the state of the country, and it's getting worse at the expense of the rule of law and democracy.
The government, a majority of left-wing and right-wing populists, has even decided to dismantle independent public television. Critical reporting, which is the job of the media, is in danger of disappearing. Journalists will no longer be able to ask critical questions of the government or those elected to run the country.
Anyone with a different opinion is immediately labeled an extremist and silenced. Political scientist Gva feels Slovakia is on a dangerous course. "This is no longer about objective political dialogue," he says. "It's little more than insults and hateful opinions."
Social media plays a role in amplifying this toxicity. But Kolina Farsa refuses to give up the struggle for democracy. "Maybe even worse cases will happen in the future," she says. "But it doesn't matter. We shouldn't stop trying to make this country a better place for our lives."
Her words are a powerful reminder of the importance of speaking out, even in the face of danger. Kolina's story is not just about Slovakia; it's about the universal fight for truth, freedom, and democracy.
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