Slovak Court Sentences Man to 21 Years for Assassination Attempt on PM Robert Fico

Slovakia's court has sentenced a 72-year-old man to 21 years in prison for the attempted assassination of Prime Minister Robert Fico that occurred on May 15, 2024.

The assailant, Juraj Cintula, was convicted of committing a terror attack after shooting Fico in the abdomen as the prime minister greeted supporters following a government meeting in Handlova, approximately 140 kilometers northeast of Bratislava.

Cintula was apprehended immediately after the attack. During investigation, he denied being a "terrorist" and claimed his actions were motivated by disagreement with government policies rather than intent to kill.

The three-judge panel at the Specialized Criminal Court in Banská Bystrica delivered a unanimous verdict. Judge Igor Králik emphasized that "the defendant did not attack a citizen, but specifically the prime minister" and was "against the government, inciting people to overthrow the government."

Though originally charged with attempted murder, prosecutors later pursued the more serious charge of engaging in a terror attack based on evidence obtained during investigation.

Fico underwent two surgeries following the shooting - an initial five-hour procedure and another two-hour operation two days later. He has since recovered and returned to his duties.

In his testimony read by a prosecutor, Cintula stated he disagreed with several of Fico's policies, including "the cancellation of a special prosecution office dealing with corruption, the end of military help for Ukraine and the government's approach to culture."

Cintula's attorney indicated his client would likely appeal the verdict. The court noted that Cintula's age and clean criminal record were factors in not imposing a life sentence.

Prime Minister Fico, who was absent from the trial, previously stated he felt "no hatred" toward his attacker and had forgiven him. However, he has repeatedly blamed the liberal opposition and media for the assassination attempt, despite no evidence supporting such claims.

Fico returned to power for his fourth term after his leftist party Smer won the 2023 parliamentary election on a platform characterized by pro-Russia and anti-American messaging.

Critics have drawn parallels between Slovakia under Fico's leadership and Hungary under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. This has sparked numerous protests across Slovakia against Fico's pro-Russian stance and other controversial policies.

The assassination attempt and subsequent trial have significantly impacted Slovakia, an EU and NATO member where Fico remains a divisive political figure, often criticized for shifting the country away from its pro-Western orientation toward closer alignment with Russia.