Slovak Court Sentences Prime Minister Fico's Assailant to 21 Years

Juraj Cintula, a 72-year-old retired poet, was sentenced to 21 years in prison by the Specialized Criminal Court in Banská Bystrica, Slovakia, for the attempted assassination of Prime Minister Robert Fico in May 2024. Cintula shot Fico in the abdomen during a public event in Handlová, resulting in serious injuries that required multiple surgeries, though Fico has since recovered and resumed his duties. The court convicted Cintula under terrorism charges, stating his motive was to obstruct the government's functioning and incite its overthrow, despite his denial of being a terrorist. The verdict was unanimous, with the court considering his age and lack of prior criminal record as reasons for not imposing a life sentence. Cintula expressed disagreement with government policies, including anti-corruption measures, as his motive but refused to testify in court. Both Cintula and the prosecutors retain the right to appeal the sentence.