Slovak Court Convicts Prime Minister's Attacker of Terrorism

A Slovak court handed a 21-year sentence to Juraj Cintula for shooting Prime Minister Robert Fico. The attack, which took place in May 2024, was deemed an act of terrorism. Fico suffered multiple injuries but survived, while Cintula claimed he acted to halt Fico's policies.

In a landmark decision, a Slovak court on Tuesday convicted 72-year-old Juraj Cintula of terrorism, sentencing him to 21 years in prison for shooting Prime Minister Robert Fico in an attempted assassination last year.

Juraj Cintula fired five shots at Fico from a mere one-metre distance during a public event in Handlova in May 2024, severely wounding the leader. The trial, held at Banska Bystrica's Specialised Criminal Court, centered on whether Cintula's actions constituted terrorism. Cintula admitted the shooting, asserting his intent was to stop Fico's policies.

Prime Minister Fico, critically injured in his abdomen and extremities, resurfaced publicly in July. The ruling remains subject to appeal at Slovakia's Supreme Court. Cintula argued his motive was to protect Slovakian freedom and culture from Fico's governance.

(With inputs from agencies.)