BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP) — Thousands marched through Slovakia's capital on Thursday before a planned rally in front of parliament to condemn draft legislation that critics consider detrimental for many nongovernmental organizations.
The bill, which is being debated by lawmakers, was approved by the coalition government of populist Prime Minister Robert Fico, who has frequently attacked NGOs.
The organizers of the rally in Bratislava said that the draft legislation looks inspired by Russian law, which they said “makes it possible to liquidate the civil sector and turn into a criminal anyone who is not loyal to those in power.”
They said it's designed to scare and control people who stand up against the government.
The latest version of the draft says that NGOs will be considered lobbyists, but gives no clear definition of what lobbying is, according to an analysis by Via Iuris, a nonprofit organization.
The group said that the draft law violates Slovakia's constitution and European Union rules, and its goal is to “stigmatize and limit the activities of civic groups.”
The government said that the law is meant to make transparent the financing and functioning of civic groups.
Protesters chanted during the march: “No to the Russian law,” and “We wont give up freedom.”
Thursday rallies in Bratislava, No. 2 city Kosice and four other places are part of a wave of protests that was fueled by Fico’s recent trip to Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
It was a rare visit to the Kremlin by an EU leader since Moscow’s all-out invasion of Ukraine began more than three years ago and his recent remarks that Slovakia might consider leaving the 27-nation EU and NATO.
Protests in about three dozen locations across Slovakia and abroad are planned for Friday.
Fico has been a divisive figure at home and abroad. He returned to power in 2003 after his leftist Smer (Direction) party won a parliamentary election on a pro-Russia and anti-American platform.
His government moved to overhaul public broadcasting to give the government control of public television and radio.
That, along with an amendment to the penal code to eliminate a special anti-graft prosecutor, showed that Fico was leading Slovakia down a more autocratic path, following the direction of Hungary under populist Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
People march during a protest to condemn a draft legislation that critics consider ”liquidating” for many non-government organisations in Bratislava Thursday, April 3, 2025. (Jaroslav Novák/TASR via AP)
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Nearly a dozen fans stood outside Saturday morning, waiting for Jonathan Marchessault and his teammates to appear so they could get autographs.
It was a normal sight outside the Golden Knights practice facility, but this was at T-Mobile Arena as the Nashville Predators had their morning skate in preparation for that night's game against Vegas.
That game was Marchessault's first in that arena in an opposing uniform. One of the most beloved players in Vegas' short history — part of the inaugural team that called itself the Golden Misfits — received a rousing ovation when the 1 1/2-minute video tribute was played at the first media timeout. Marchessault then skated alone on the ice as fans chanted, “Marchy! Marchy!”
Marchessault, who won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the NHL playoffs MVP in leading the Golden Knights to the Stanley Cup championship two years ago, appeared to tear up during the tribute.
“I'm an emotional guy normally, so we'll see how it goes,” Marchessault said before the game. “Obviously, it's going to be an exciting time for me. It's such a great building, great organization and definitely happy for their success still. I'm not even surprised a little bit. I think the structure and the organization is so great from top to bottom.”
Marchessault scored a goal early in the third period, but the Golden Knights won 5-3 to clinch the Pacific Division title.
“It never happened scoring in ‘The Fortress’ and being that silent,” Marchessault said afterward. “It was a great atmosphere, great building. Happy to see the fans and the organization. I couldn't say more good things about top to bottom here.”
He played seven seasons with the Golden Knights and is the career leader in goals with 192 and points with 417. Marchessault, 34, had hoped to sign a new contract to stay in Vegas, but he and the club failed to reach an agreement and Nashville signed him to a five-year, $27.5 million deal.
But it has been a difficult season. Marchessault's mother died in September at 70 from a heart attack, just a day before his number was retired by the junior hockey Quebec Ramparts.
“It was a challenging year,” Marchessault said. “A lot of things. Moving a family of four, I expected it to be hard, but not that hard.”
Two of his sons were born in Las Vegas and another began playing youth hockey here.
Marchessault was such a key part of the Golden Knights' success, and it wasn't only the production by a player who delivered in many clutch moments. He was the club's emotional leader as well, who even at 5-foot-9 commanded a big presence in the locker room.
“I miss him,” Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy said. “I miss his competitiveness. I miss his personality in the locker room.”
This hasn't been the kind of season Marchessault hoped for, especially considering the free-agency splash the Predators made in signing not only him but Steven Stamkos, who helped lead Tampa Bay to two Cups.
The Golden Knights, meanwhile, are headed back to the playoffs with home-ice advantage for at least the first two rounds.
“The position his team is in is in a much different position than our team right now, and I think that takes away a little bit of it,” Golden Knights forward Reilly Smith said before the game. “But he’s a competitor. He’ll want to put on a good show and so will we. I expect nothing but his best effort tonight. He scored a lot of goals in this building, so we got to make sure he doesn’t get one more.”
This may be Marchessault's first time back in Vegas as an opponent, but not the first time facing the Golden Knights. The teams played twice in Nashville, splitting the games. Marchessault had an assist in the first meeting.
“It was just nice to see them,” Marchessault said. “You spend a lot of years with those guys and so much memories, so much battling through adversity together. Out of nowhere, you see them twice a year. It's unfortunate, but it's a tough business.”
Freelance writer W.G. Ramirez contributed to this report.
AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl
Nashville Predators left wing Zachary L'Heureux (68) passes to Nashville Predators center Jonathan Marchessault (81) for an assist against the Vegas Golden Knights during the third period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, April 12, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Nashville Predators center Jonathan Marchessault (81) reacts after scoring against Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Adin Hill (33) during the third period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, April 12, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Nashville Predators center Ryan O'Reilly (90) celebrates with Nick Blankenburg (37) and Jonathan Marchessault, right, after O'Reilly scored a goal against the Vegas Golden Knights during the second period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, March 29, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
