BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP) — Slovakia’s highest court confirmed Wednesday a 21-year prison term for a man convicted of terrorism after he shot the country’s Prime Minister Robert Fico in an assassination attempt nearly two years ago.
The gunman, 73-year-old Juraj Cintula, shot Fico on May 15, 2024, while the prime minister was meeting with supporters after a government session in Handlová, a town located roughly 85 miles northeast of Slovakia’s capital.
Police took Cintula into custody immediately following the shooting and he has remained jailed since. During proceedings, he stated his actions were motivated by opposition to government policies, though he disputed being labeled a “terrorist.” He maintained that while he intended to injure Fico, he did not plan to kill him.
Cintula expressed disagreement with several of Fico’s policy decisions, specifically citing the elimination of a specialized anti-corruption prosecutor’s office and the termination of military assistance to Ukraine.
The initial sentencing occurred on October 21, which Cintula subsequently challenged through an appeal.
The Supreme Court’s decision Wednesday marks the end of the legal process.
The shooting wounded Fico in his stomach, and emergency responders transported him from Handlová to a medical facility in nearby Banská Bystrica. Doctors performed an initial five-hour surgical procedure, followed by an additional two-hour operation 48 hours later. Fico has made a full recovery from his injuries.
Since regaining power in 2023, Fico has remained a polarizing political figure. His pro-Russian stance and various policy positions have sparked widespread public demonstrations throughout the country.
