Location: Freedom Square, Slavín Monument in Bratislava, other locations around Slovakia
Time: April 3: March from Freedom Square to the Parliament Building, 6:00 PM in Bratislava, "Peace for Ukraine" Demonstration, 6:00 PM in Kosice
April 4: Annual Commemoration Ceremony, 10:00 AM at Slavín Monument, Bratislava, Wreath laying ceremony at 4:30 PM at Slavín Monument, Bratislava
Events:
Nationwide "Peace for Ukraine" Protests
"Peace for Ukraine" will organize nationwide protests across multiple cities on Thursday and Friday, April 3-4, with tens of thousands expected to participate. The main demonstration will take place in Bratislava on Thursday at 6:00 PM, featuring a march from Freedom Square to the Parliament building. Expect traffic disruptions and street closures in central Bratislava along the protest route until approximately 8:00 PM. Counterprotests may occur. Check local media for updates on demonstrations in your area.
Potential Demonstrations at Slavin in Bratislava
Bratislava will host the annual commemoration ceremony at Slavín on Friday, April 4 starting at 10:00 AM., featuring a wreath-laying ceremony at 4:30 PM. In previous years, the ceremony has drawn protests at the site, and some speeches have sometimes touched on sensitive geopolitical topics.
Actions to Take:
-Avoid demonstrations, if possible;
-Be cautious of your surroundings and practice situational awareness at all times;
-Monitor local media for updates;
-Stay aware of spontaneous counter-protests;
-If altercations or violence occurs, remove yourself and any family/group members from the area immediately to a safe location (police officer, known public area, etc.);
-Set a predetermined time and location to meet with friends and family should you become separated.
Assistance:
-Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
-Contact the U.S. Embassy in Slovakia located at Hviezdoslavovo namestie 4 in Bratislava, at +421-2-5922-3000, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM -Monday through Friday. The after-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +421-903-703-666.
-To reach Consular Affairs in Washington, D.C., call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
-Visit the webpage of the U.S. Embassy in Bratislava
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