'Slovakia' Party: Bitter History Must Be Recalled Even 35 Years after Communism

Bratislava, November 17 (TASR) - Even 35 years after the fall of the totalitarian regime, we must recall the bitter history, learn from it and not forget it, so that it never repeats, stated opposition 'Slovakia' party in connection with the 35th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution on Sunday. The party pointed to the fact that even today one can see the actions of politicians who deny the legacy of November 1989. It mentioned, for example, the way in which debates at some parliamentary sessions were terminated, Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok's (Voice-SD) attitude towards the students for their expression of satire, or the steps taken in the case of Czech ex-premier Andrej Babis's records in the files of the the erstwhile communist secret service StB. That's why the party views it important to persevere in promoting democratic principles and condemning their violation. "We in the opposition bravely fight for freedom and justice every day so that people know the truth. I believe that there's still a majority of democratically-minded people in Slovakia who won't let the truth be taken from them," said party leader Igor Matovic. Party caucus head Michal Sipos sees the importance of commemorating the events of November 17, 1989 in that. "So that freedom and basic human rights are not oppressed, and that people can freely vote, profess their faith and express their own opinion," he said. The party also commemorated the Fight for Freedom and Democracy Day at 5:11 p.m. on Sunday near the Gate Freedom memorial in Bratislava's borough of Devin. ko