Story perspectives

Journalist Attacked in Slovakia, Sparks Media Safety Concerns

1/12/2026

34 3

Summary

Story summary

On January 12, 2026, Slovak journalist Peter Schutz, 70, was attacked in a Košice mall washroom and required surgery for a broken femur, an incident that raised concerns about media safety in Slovakia.
The police are actively investigating the incident.
Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok and Environment Minister Tomáš Taraba condemned the violence.
General Prosecutor Maroš Žilinka said physical violence is not an acceptable way to express societal frustrations.

1 of 1

Story summary

On January 12, 2026, Slovak journalist Peter Schutz, 70, was attacked in a Košice mall washroom and required surgery for a broken femur, an incident that raised concerns about media safety in Slovakia.
The police are actively investigating the incident.
Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok and Environment Minister Tomáš Taraba condemned the violence.
General Prosecutor Maroš Žilinka said physical violence is not an acceptable way to express societal frustrations.