Suspect in Assassination Attempt on Slovak Prime Minister Faces Court

Since returning to power for the fourth time, based on a pro-Russia and anti-United States electoral program, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has faced widespread criticism and opposition in the country, one of which was an attempt on his life with expectations of such attempts being repeated.

Juraj Sintula, the suspect in the assassination attempt, appeared in court today, Tuesday, where he faced terrorism-related charges.


Sintula, 72 years old, appeared in the specialized court in Banska Bystrica after being accused of carrying out a terrorist attack on the Prime Minister.

Upon arrival at the court, Sintula shouted, "Long live democracy, long live free culture."

Sintula is accused of shooting Fico on May 15, 2024, while the Prime Minister was greeting his supporters after a government meeting in the town of Handlova, located 140 kilometers northeast of the capital Bratislava.

Sintula was immediately arrested, and the court ordered him to be detained pending investigation, with a potential sentence of life imprisonment if convicted.

Fico was shot in the abdomen and was taken to a hospital in Banska Bystrica, where he underwent a five-hour surgery followed by a second two-hour operation two days later. Since then, the Prime Minister has recovered from his injuries.