Slovak Man Sentenced to 21 Years for Terrorism After Shooting Prime Minister

A 72-year-old man named Juraj Cintula has been sentenced to 21 years in prison for terrorism by a court in Slovakia. This verdict comes after he shot and injured Prime Minister Robert Fico on May 15, 2024. Cintula targeted the populist Slovak leader shortly after a government meeting in Handlová, located approximately 140 kilometers northeast of Bratislava. Following the attack, Prime Minister Fico was rushed to a hospital in Banská Bystrica, where he underwent a lengthy two-hour operation. Fortunately, he was able to recover from his gunshot wounds. The Specialised Criminal Court in Banská Bystrica delivered its verdict against Cintula after a trial that began in July 2024. Throughout the trial, Cintula chose not to testify. However, he previously conveyed that his motives for the attack were directly tied to his disagreement with Fico's policies, which he believed were aligning Slovakia more closely with Russia. Cintula claimed that he did not have the intent to kill anyone but sought to harm the Prime Minister's health instead. In a surprising twist, he expressed relief upon learning that Fico survived the shooting. Court Judge Igor Králik emphasized that Cintula targeted Fico specifically, saying, "He did not attack a citizen but specifically the prime minister. He was against the government and was inciting people to overthrow it." Initially, prosecutors charged Cintula with attempted murder; however, they later opted for the more serious charge of terrorism based on evidence obtained during the investigation, the details of which were not disclosed publicly. Cintula has the option to appeal the verdict at Slovakia's Supreme Court, although it remains uncertain whether he will pursue that path. In the aftermath of the shooting, Prime Minister Fico indicated that he forgave his attacker. However, he attributed the blame for the incident to the liberal opposition and media, without providing substantial evidence for his claims. Notably, Fico was the only EU leader to visit Moscow in May for an event commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, raising further discussion around his political stance and relationships. The case has garnered significant attention in Slovakia and is likely to continue shaping conversations about political violence and public safety in the country. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2