Death of Slovak journalist, Ján Kuciak

Greens/EFA transparency spokesperson Benedek Javor comments on the death of the Slovak investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his partner Martina Kušnírová. Ján Kuciak had investigated possible tax fraud cases, including by people connected to Slovak politicians.

"We are deeply shocked to learn of the death of Ján Kuciak and his partner Martina Kušnírová. We expect to see a thorough and independent investigation so that the perpetrators can be brought to justice.

"This horrifying incident comes only a few months on from the murder of the Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. Investigative journalism is one of the cornerstones of our democratic society and we have to make sure that journalists can speak truth to power without fear of intimidation or violence. The European Union must urgently look at how it can better protect journalists."