According to AFP
The Ministers of the Interior and Justice of Slovenia – Boštjan Poklukar and Andreja Katič – today announced their resignation amid public outrage over the death of a man allegedly attacked by a member of the Roma community.
It is noted that the tragic incident occurred in the night leading up to Saturday in Novo mesto, southeastern Slovenia, near a bar where a 48-year-old man was beaten to death.
“This should not have happened. The respective ministers have taken responsibility and resigned.”
– Robert Golob
It is noted that Interior Minister Boštjan Poklukar and Justice Minister Andreja Katič will remain in their posts until successors are appointed.
According to police data, early Saturday morning in front of the bar in Novo mesto, an attack on a 48-year-old man was carried out. Media and local authorities speculated about the involvement of the Roma minority, while the police reported only the arrest of a previously convicted 21-year-old man.
Tensions between local residents and the Roma community in Novo mesto have intensified over the past year amid rising petty crime and violence, which this ethnic minority is often blamed for.
Next Steps and Context
The incident and the resignation of the heads of the police and judiciary are considered in the context of increasing tension between local residents and the Roma community.
In the context of the events, there is talk about the need for further steps by the government and law enforcement to ensure safety and restore trust between citizens and the authorities.