Miroslava Čierna, a civic activist from Rimavská Sobota, highlights her long history of activism, which began in the late 1990s and was reignited after the tragic murder of journalist Ján Kuciak and his partner in 2018. She co-founded the civic initiative Rimavská kaviareň, which aims to engage citizens in dialogue and advocacy for their rights. Čierna expresses concern over the increasing criminalization of dissent in Slovakia, noting that her colleagues fear imprisonment for their activism.

In her conversation, Čierna reflects on the current political climate where government officials have targeted activists, including bringing public attention to emails that were mistakenly leaked as secret documents. She articulates that the fear of retaliation exists, with the potential for government powers to escalate against critics ranging from students to seasoned activists. While she hopes for a more tolerant approach from the government, she acknowledges the severity of the situation and her previous experiences with fear for her safety.

Moreover, Čierna emphasizes the importance of grassroots movements in holding government officials accountable and fostering a democratic society. The prosecution of activists would hinder freedom of expression and could lead to broader implications for civil society in Slovakia. As she continues her activism, she calls for solidarity amongst citizens to create meaningful change and resist efforts to suppress dissent.