Without command and with drones. Slovenian police get new powers in Roma areas

The Slovenian government is facing accusations of discrimination against the Roma minority after the parliament passed the so-called Šutaro law, which expands police powers in "security risk areas". Says the Guardian.

The legislation was passed in response to the death of Ales Šutara, who was killed by a 21-year-old Roma man during a scuffle outside a nightclub last month. The new law allows police to enter properties without a warrant if they need to seize weapons immediately, and to use drones or cameras to monitor at-risk areas.

Critics say the law stigmatises entire communities and see it as a tool to repress minorities ahead of elections next March.

According to Mensur Haliti, vice-president of the Roma Foundation for Europe, the move turns entire neighbourhoods into security zones, reducing the rights of their inhabitants. Prime Minister Robert Golob's government denies that this is an attack on a specific ethnic group and says the aim is to increase security.

Despite the controversy, the law enjoys broad public support. According to a poll by RTV Slovenia, more than 60 percent of the population supports it.

(max)