Protest Gorila v Bratislave

On the 3rd of February 2012, the so-called Gorilla Protest took place in SNP Square in Bratislava. It was, according to all indications, the largest protest of Slovak citizens against the state of society and corruption since 1989. It was a photographic event for me; as a citizen, I probably would not have participated in such an action. Moreover, even if I did, I would likely have left shortly afterward because I would have become bored. I had and still have significant ideological differences with what the organizers wanted or constantly changed. Also, with how they behaved. Desiring direct democracy, making legislation through the Internet, discussing everything with everyone, barter, etc., are utopian and even crazy ideas that defy reality. The organizers themselves had nice ideals; they wanted to change and address everything. I had the feeling, and I discussed it with several people, that the leaders of the protests probably had no idea how the state functions. Moreover, when a leader talks about being just an ordinary person and does not feel like a leader, he rapidly loses credibility. These were too serious topics. It’s a pity that emotions strongly prevailed over reason, a pity that the organizers did not connect with intelligence, the cultural community. There was a lack of connection, cooperation. Instead, I perceived division. Today, almost a year later, they are probably frustrated that there is no will to change the state of public affairs, as I heard on television. It is a great pity that the potential against corruption was not utilized. That the forces broke up due to entirely different ambitions. I would recommend looking for faults within oneself. The declining interest in participating in the „Gorilla Protests“ reflects the reaction of all of us.

I have not experienced such a crowd force, as there was during the photography, when the crowd moved from the square. The terrain – SNP Square and its surroundings – I know very well. I was fortunate when the crowd moved from the square toward the Government Office; I was in one place for more than 10 minutes. The crowd was electrically buzzing; it was magical, uplifting. Despite the quite decent winter weather and the darkness that had already set in, my fingers were freezing. Below is the result of my efforts. A significant portion of the photographs is precisely from the time when the crowd was in motion.