BRATISLAVA, Slovakia—Chinese President Hu Jintao left Slovakia on Friday to visit Croatia during his European tour. While the top Slovakian leaders expressed satisfaction over strengthening bilateral ties with China, heated discussion continued in the Slovakian media and public over the clashes between human rights activists and pro-communist demonstrators in front of the Presidential palace that occurred on Thursday.
About one hour before the arrival of the Chinese leader, human rights activists approached the Presidential palace where the two heads of state were to meet. As soon as they unfolded their transparent signs, they were assaulted by a Chinese delegation allegedly there to welcome the president. Some of the activists were physically attacked as the pro-communist Chinese tried to grab their banners and tear them down.
To everyone’s surprise, the Slovak police didn’t initially protect the human rights group. Instead, they allowed the Chinese agents to continue their abuse. The police didn’t step in until the demonstrating participants made multiple calls for help.
