In the Slovenian city of Novo Mesto in late October, 48-year old Ales Sutar was killed in an attack that was blamed on a member of the Roma community.
Following a large protest march in the city where demonstrators demanded radical public safety measures, Slovenia’s government passed the so-called “Sutar Law,” a fast-tracked public safety law named after the victim that grants police sweeping new powers.
Human rights groups warn that the legislation will deepen discrimination against the country’s Roma population.
With Slovenia due to hold parliamentary elections next spring, many see the new legislation as political maneuvering. The government, on the other hand, insists it’s about ensuring citizens’ security.
DW spoke to people on the ground to find out how they are affected.