Thousands rally in Slovakia against government's 'attack on democracy'

Nearly 20,000 protested in Bratislava, accusing the government of dismantling the nation's cultural institutions.

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00:00Thousands gathered on Tuesday at an anti-government rally called by two of Slovakia's opposition

00:06parties to protest against actions taken by the government of Prime Minister Robert Fico.

00:14These include the dismissal of the heads of the National Theatre and Gallery by hard right

00:18culture minister Martina Simkovicova, a move that opponents say is a symptom of a broader

00:25crackdown.

00:28Simkovicova has responded, saying the opposition and the media are trying to discredit her.

00:34In July, the European Commission reprimanded Slovakia for backsliding on the rule of law

00:39and media freedoms.