Slovakia's Populist Prime Minister Robert Fico Recovering After Assassination Attempt
Slovakia's populist Prime Minister Robert Fico has been released from the hospital where he was treated after an assassination attempt. Miriam Lapunikova, the director of the hospital in the central city of Banska Bystrica, announced on Friday, May 31, that Fico had been transported to his home in Bratislava, where he is continuing to recover. Lapunikova praised Fico's discipline as a patient during his time in the hospital. Fico sustained multiple wounds after being shot in the abdomen while greeting supporters on May 15 in the town of Handlova, approximately 140 kilometers northeast of the capital. Video footage of the incident captured Fico approaching a group of people at barricades, extending his hand to shake theirs, when a man stepped forward and fired five rounds at him before being apprehended. Fico underwent a lengthy five-hour surgery immediately following the attack to address the multiple wounds he had sustained. Two days later, another two-hour surgery was performed to remove dead tissue from his gunshot wounds. The Specialized Criminal Court in Pezinok ordered the suspect, who is charged with attempted murder, to remain in custody. Prosecutors have instructed the police not to disclose the suspect's identity or details of the case. Initially, government authorities had cited the attack as being politically motivated and carried out by a lone individual. However, they subsequently stated that there may have been a third party involved, acting on behalf of the perpetrator. Our thoughts are with Prime Minister Fico for a speedy and full recovery.
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