Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico claimed that the armed formation “Georgian National Legion” and the opposition were behind an attempted coup in the country.
At a press conference, Fico stated that the organizers of the protests were allegedly preparing clashes with law enforcement agencies. In particular, he accused the founder of the “Georgian National Legion,” Ushangi Mamulashvili, of being involved in these events. According to him, Mamulashvili is banned from entering Slovakia.
However, Fico did not disclose details regarding the detention of a previously arrested Ukrainian citizen suspected of preparing a coup. Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj-Eštok only confirmed his deportation.
On January 22, the prime minister convened the Security Council, stating that a “group of experts” from abroad was in the country, allegedly preparing to overthrow the government. This happened amid a vote of no confidence in the cabinet, initiated by the opposition due to its ties with Russia.
Shortly afterward, mass protests took place in Slovakia, demanding Fico’s resignation. The demonstrations were organized by the “Peace for Ukraine” movement, which criticizes the prime minister for his visit to Moscow and his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to Fico, around 100,000 people participated in the rallies, a third of whom were Ukrainians.
