Slovakia roughs up the law on freedom of rally after assassination against Fico

The law, which was adopted in late June and went into effect Monday, does not allow collections at a 50m radius from the government headquarters and the presidency, parliament and all courts' buildings.

By law, demonstrations against politicians are also banned prior to their residence.

Rallys can also be banned if they endanger public order.

The law envisions that leaders of parties represented in parliament also have the right to personal protection.

Similarly, personal protection should be provided for the attorney general and the chairman of the Constitutional Court.

The prime ministers, who spend more than ten years in office, will be entitled to life's pension as well.

So far, this right applies only to Ficon.

Critics from the opposition say the law is a step towards the “police state”.

Fico, 59, was shot closely on May 15th in a central Slovakia town and underwent two long operations.

The armed person, identified by Slovak media as Juraj Cintula, 71, is in custody pending trial. /rel/