Slovak politicians propose prison terms for defiling national symbols

Representatives from the SNS and Smer political parties have submitted a legislative proposal to the Slovak National Council that would introduce a new criminal offense: the defilement of a protected national symbol. Under the proposed law, offenders could face prison sentences ranging from one to five years.

The move follows a controversy involving a student from the Academy of Fine Arts and Design (VŠVU), Kristián Šmelko, whose artwork depicted the Slovak double cross in provocative forms, including as a sexual aid. Smer MP Marián Kéry stated that the measure is intended as a preventive action to ensure artists exercise caution.

Critics, including VŠVU Rector Bohunka Koklesová, have condemned the proposal, describing it as an attack on artists and a threat to academic freedom. Martin Bujna from Open Culture also expressed concerns regarding the impact on creative expression.