A Slovak court on Tuesday convicted Juraj Cintula for the attempted assassination of Prime Minister Robert Fico last year, sentencing him to 21 years in prison for a terror attack.
The 72-year-old opened fire on Fico on May 15, 2024, in Handlová, northeast of Bratislava, as the prime minister greeted supporters. Two surgeries were required after Fico was shot in the abdomen, but he has since recovered. Cintula, who had no prior criminal record, claimed his motive was disagreement with government policies, including ending military aid to Ukraine and changes in the anti-corruption office. He maintained he had no intention to kill anyone.
The three-judge panel said the attack targeted the prime minister specifically, aimed to incite opposition, and justified the terror charge. Cintula’s age and clean record influenced the decision to avoid life imprisonment. His lawyer indicated an appeal is likely.
Fico, who returned to power in 2023 with a pro-Russia platform, was not present at the trial and has expressed forgiveness toward Cintula, taking no legal action against him. The attack and trial have stirred political tensions in Slovakia, with critics accusing Fico of steering the country closer to Russia.