STA, 26 June 2021 - The police have estimated that some 9,000 people gathered in Prešeren Square on Friday to join in an alternative celebration of Statehood Day and protest against the government. An inquiry has been launched into the organisers of the unregistered rally, who are also behind Friday anti-government protests, for violating the public assembly act.
The Ljubljana Police Department said on Saturday that both the official Statehood Day ceremony and the protest were policed with 14 violations of the protection of public order act detected at the rally.
A total of 13 people were detained and released after the protest ended. Other procedures are ongoing as inquiries into potential further violations continue, the police added.
The rally started at about 7pm and ended at 9pm. Some 200 participants then proceeded to the crossroad of Slovenska Road and Šubičeva Street, which is close to Republic Square where the formal ceremony was held. They dispersed at around 10pm.
Speakers at the latest anti-government protest criticised political elites, highlighting that Slovenians had had enough of political divides.
