The murder of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová profoundly shook Slovakia, representing a brutal act of revenge for Kuciak's diligent journalistic work. Kuciak was known for uncovering significant cases with political implications, adeptly linking open data with information from security circles, which made him a target for those in power. His incisive findings not only alarmed his main adversary, Marián Kočner, but also drew the attention of various oligarchs and financial groups, underlining the broader threats posed by Kuciak's investigations to the status quo.

According to the prosecution, Kočner resorted to Kuciak's physical elimination as a desperate measure to protect his financial interests and immunity from prosecution. The revelations brought about by Kuciak's work had begun to increase pressure on law enforcement and judicial entities, showcasing the peril these powerful figures faced from a journalist committed to uncovering corruption. The fallout from this murder has had a long-lasting effect on Slovak society, with the public now more engaged and less apathetic than before, reflecting a significant societal shift.

Eight years following the murders, there has been a noticeable transformation in societal attitudes in Slovakia. People have mobilized more actively compared to the era leading up to February 2018; previous sporadic mobilizations have transitioned into a sustained and concerted pressure for accountability and change. This shift highlights a growing public awareness and resilience against corruption, suggesting that the impacts of Kuciak's work continue to resonate and inspire ongoing activism in the country.