Ahead of an anticipated vote in Slovenia’s parliament on 17 November, Amnesty International has raised serious concerns over a hastily proposed law that would expand police powers, restrict welfare rights, and weaken key procedural safeguards. Esther Major, Deputy Director for Research in Europe at Amnesty International, warned that the draft legislation could strip Slovenians of vital human rights protections and disproportionately affect the Roma community, which already experiences systemic discrimination, exclusion, and poverty.
The proposed law, known as the Act on Urgent Measures to Ensure Public Security or the “Sutar Law,” was introduced on 6 November 2025, following a fatal incident in Novo Mesto involving a member of the Roma community. While the government frames the measures as necessary to restore public confidence and prevent serious violence, critics argue that they are unjustified and disproportionate, significantly expanding police and judicial powers while removing internationally recognized procedural safeguards.
Amnesty International emphasized that, although the law is not explicitly aimed at the Roma population, the government’s rhetoric raises concerns that enforcement could be arbitrary and discriminatory. The combination of enhanced security measures and punitive restrictions on social benefits could further marginalize vulnerable families, heightening the risk of human rights violations.
Esther Major urged Slovenian MPs to reject the bill, highlighting the dangerous consequences it could have not only for the Roma community but for all Slovenians. The legislation would amend eight existing acts, fundamentally altering protections and safeguards that are crucial for upholding civil liberties in the country.
