Court Sentences Gunman in Attack on Slovak Prime Minister Fico to 21 Years in Prison

A Slovak court sentenced Juraj Cintula, a 72-year-old poet, to 21 years in prison for shooting Prime Minister Robert Fico last year. The attack occurred on May 15, 2024, when Cintula shot Fico four times at close range after a government meeting in Handlová, wounding him seriously. Cintula claimed he did not intend to kill Fico, but the court found him guilty of terrorism. Judge Igor Kralik stated that the crime was particularly serious and that Cintula's actions were driven by a desire to disrupt the government. Cintula appeared calm during the verdict announcement, looking away from the packed courtroom. His lawyer, Namir Alyasry, indicated that an appeal against the sentence was likely. The trial began in July at a special penal court in Banska Bystrica. Although Fico did not testify, a video statement he provided to investigators was played in court. Prosecutors originally charged Cintula with premeditated murder, but later reclassified the crime as a terror attack due to its political motivations. Cintula had previously expressed his frustration with Fico's government, particularly criticizing its decision to halt military aid to Ukraine. After undergoing two major surgeries, Fico returned to work two months post-attack. Now serving his fourth term in office, Fico's government, a coalition that has been in power since 2023, has faced extensive protests due to its crackdown on nonprofit organizations and media it views as hostile. Recently, parliament approved a constitutional amendment to limit LGBTQ rights, further fuelling public discontent. In his emotional closing statement, Cintula expressed that his actions were motivated by 'moral despair,' describing them as a manifesto against the corruption and lies of power which he believes endanger future generations. Once a supporter of Fico, he expressed disillusionment with the Prime Minister in light of the latter's decision-making and the perceived deterioration of democracy in Slovakia. Fico, in response, has accused Cintula of being a product of hatred, shaped by media narratives and opposition forces. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2