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Does Slovenia's new security law target Roma people?

Davor Batisweiler near Novo Mesto, Slovenia | Ferenc Gaal
Published December 16, 2025last updated December 17, 2025

Following the death of a 48-year-old man that was blamed on a member of the Roma community, Slovenia has passed a bill that gives the police sweeping new powers. What will its impact be?

https://p.dw.com/p/55RlF

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. But human rights groups warn 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 with people on the ground to find out how they are affected.