Slovak PM shooter sentenced to 21 years in prison
Photo: Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (Getty Images)
A court in Banská Bystrica found a man guilty of terrorism for wounding Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico last year. The shooter was sentenced to 21 years in prison, Reuters reported.
The trial in this case began in July. The decision may be appealed in the Supreme Court of Slovakia.
The shooter, Juraj Cintula, admitted in court to attempting to assassinate Fico. He had previously claimed that he did not intend to kill the prime minister, but only to wound him to stop his policies, which he believed were harmful to Slovak freedom and culture.
Assassination attempt on Fico
On May 15 last year, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was wounded after a government meeting in Handlova and was taken away by ambulance in serious condition.
The Slovak Interior Ministry said the attacker fired five shots at the Prime Minister. The attacker was Juraj Cintula, who opened fire during a meeting with the politician's supporters.
The attacker wounded Fico several times, including in the stomach. Fico also suffered injuries to his thigh, arm, and leg.
The Slovak Prime Minister made his first public appearance in July last year, several months after the attack.
In May 2024, the police charged Juraj Cintula with attempted murder with intent to take revenge.
Fico himself announced in July that he had forgiven the attacker and did not intend to participate in the trial unless he was called to testify.
