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Slovenia Passes 'Šutar Law' Expanding Police Powers in Security‑Risk Areas

Rights groups warn the measure will be used against Roma communities.

Overview

  • Parliament approved the Measures to Ensure Public Safety on Monday, granting police warrantless entry and technical surveillance such as drones and license-plate recognition in designated zones.
  • The law authorizes immediate firearm seizure, exclusion orders removing individuals from areas, dispersal of gatherings, closure of premises, and new restrictions on social benefits.
  • Security‑risk areas can be geographically demarcated by top police officials based on a security assessment, prompting concerns about targeting Roma neighborhoods.
  • Amnesty International and Roma representatives condemn the law as discriminatory, and legal observers warn it may conflict with constitutional protections of privacy, home entry, communications and data.
  • The measure was introduced after the killing of Aleš Šutar and mass protests, and polling reported by RTV Slovenia shows majority public support for the government's security response.