LJUBLJANA, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) — A secondary school student was reportedly assaulted by two young Roma men outside the Community Health Centre in Kocevje, southern Slovenia, on Friday, fueling recent security concerns related to the ethnic minority.
Local media said the victim has sustained several blows to the face and lost at least one tooth. Police have launched an investigation. Both suspects have been identified.
The incident comes amid heightened public concern over youth violence and community tensions in southeastern Slovenia. It follows a recent fatal assault in Novo Mesto, in which the suspect is also believed to be from the Roma community.
In response to recent public concerns about regional security, the government has proposed the Sutar Law, seeking to strengthen law enforcement in areas identified as having high risks.
Under the draft legislation unveiled on Thursday, police and judicial authorities are granted broader authority to prevent and prosecute crimes more effectively. It also deepens cooperation between local governments and national security institutions.
Kocevje Mayor Gregor Kosir voiced support for the law, saying that additional measures are urgently needed. He said mayors in the region have long raised concerns about repeated offenses by some young individuals.
“The problem is not identifying the perpetrators, but ensuring effective sanctions,” Kosir said, adding that the new law could help address long-standing security challenges in local communities.
