Sutaj Estok: We Won't Deploy Water Cannons or Use Violence

Bratislava, January 23 (TASR) - The state is prepared to ensure the security of Slovakia resolutely, professionally and in compliance with the law, Interior Minister and Voice-SD leader Matus Sutaj Estok stated in his video on a social network with respect to the upcoming Friday's (January 24) protests. Sutaj Estok assured viewers that he will always protect the values of freedom and democracy, and declared that water cannons and police violence won't be used on the protesters. "As the Interior Minister, I perceive peaceful protests as an expression of free opinion and guarantee that I will always respect this right and guarantee it for everyone. We won't use water cannons, rubber projectiles nor any violence against the protesters," claimed Sutaj Estok. The Interior Minister averred that security, freedom and democracy in Slovakia is in peril. "The situation has gotten to the point when it's more important than ever for us to be united and not let ourselves be provoked into a trap, but preserve order and security in our streets," he said, warning that the "aim is to stir chaos and violence". "The intel about the potential coup in preparation is real, backed by evidence and connections. Our intelligence services uncovered clear evidence of coordinated activities, with an eye towards undermining the confidence in the state, democracy and to destabilise our country," he added. mf/mcs