Slovakia: Thousands protest COVID-19 restrictions on 31st anniv. of Velvet Revolution

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Thousands rallied in Bratislava to protest the government and its anti-coronavirus restrictions on Tuesday.

The protest was held on the 31st anniversary of the Velvet Revolution that overthrew then-Czechoslovakia's Communist regime. The country marks the events annually on November 17 as the Day of the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy.

Demonstrators could be seen chanting slogans against Prime Minister Igor Matovic and marching to Freedom Square in the city's Old Town, where a rally was held next to the national Government Office. Far-right activists also reportedly joined the protests.

"People have no work because everything was taken from them," a demonstrator said.

Slovakia recorded 1,326 new COVID-19 infections on Monday, less than half of the daily peaks registered a few weeks ago. The government has started reopening cinemas, theatres, and gyms with limitations this week.

Public gatherings are still restricted and restaurants as well as many schools reportedly remain closed.

*SOUNDBITES*

SOT, Protester (Slovak): "A very bad thing happened in Slovakia, the face masks, they closed everything down. People have no work because everything was taken away from them. He (Prime Minister Igor Matovic) has a lot of money, of course, he has companies and whatever, I don't know, even if he does not work for a year he will have enough money, but these people here will not. They have got kids, mortgages, what do they have left? The state will give some €300 ($355), €400 ($474), or €880 ($1,043) for self-employed, that is nothing I believe. This is why this protest is happening, this is why we are here."

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