Slovenia, when Fear Becomes Politics

When fear dominates politics, it erodes the rule of law — Slovenia’s reaction to the killing of Aleš Šutar serves as a warning for Europe. Fear replacing reason fractures democracy, as shown by Slovenia’s response to this tragedy in Novo Mesto.

What started as a criminal case quickly transformed into a display of anger and control, undermining the justice system. Instead of a fair trial, the incident became a spectacle: the suspect's Roma background overshadowed the facts, fueling public outrage and political resignations.

“Enough to Gypsy Violence.”

Television hosts competed for attention through outrage, ministers resigned to perform accountability, and protests echoed hostile chants. The situation escalated beyond justice into national theater.

Historical Context for the Roma Community

For the Roma, this is a recurring pattern. When the state feels threatened, it singles them out as scapegoats. In 1942, Roma from Dolenjska were deported to camps at Rab and Gonars, where almost all died. In 2006, the Strojan family was forced from Ambrus while police were present but did not intervene.

“Each time power trembles, it looks for a familiar target.”

Slovenia's Challenge

The murder of Aleš Šutar exposed how quickly justice can be overshadowed by fear and prejudice, showing how fragile democratic institutions become when driven by panic instead of reason. The country lost its balance as fear took over, threatening the very foundations of the rule of law.

Author’s Summary

Slovenia’s reaction to Aleš Šutar’s killing exemplifies how fear can derail justice and democracy, turning tragedy into a platform for prejudice rather than rule of law.

Pressenza - International Press Agency — 2025-11-01