Suspect in shooting of Slovakia’s Prime Minister Fico stands trial on terror charges

Juraj Cintula, 72, could face life behind bars if he is convicted over the attack on Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico last year.

The man who shot and seriously injured Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico last year went on trial on Tuesday on a terrorism charge that could see him imprisoned for life.

Juraj Cintula, 72, shouted “long live democracy, long live freedom” as he arrived at the Specialised Criminal Court in Slovakia’s central city of Banská Bystrica.

Cintula is accused of shooting Fico on 15 May 2024, as the prime minister greeted supporters following a government meeting in the town of Handlová, located 140 kilometres northeast of the capital.

Fico was shot four times, including in the abdomen. He was taken to hospital, where he underwent a five-hour surgery, followed by another two-hour surgery two days later.

Read more: Euronews