Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico remains in serious condition and is still at risk of complications, but his condition appears to be stable, officials said Saturday, after Wednesday’s attack.
The 59-year-old prime minister was shot five times on Wednesday. The attack shocked Europe and raised concerns about the polarized political situation in Slovakia, a central European country of 5.4 million people.
Meanwhile, today the Slovak Specialized Criminal Court decided that the suspect, identified by the prosecutors as Juraj C., will continue to remain in custody under the charge of attempted murder.
Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok said Thursday that the suspect, who was arrested at the scene, had acted alone, adding that Juraj C. had previously participated in anti-government protests.
Local media reported that the suspected perpetrator of the attack, 71 years old, was previously a former security guard at a shopping center and the author of three books of poetry.
The court decided that he should remain in custody pending the completion of the investigation due to the risk he presents of escaping or involving, as they said, any possible criminal activity. The decision of the court is subject to appeal.
Since returning for a fourth term as prime minister last October, Mr Fico has quickly reversed policy in what opposition critics call a power grab. His government has reduced support for Ukraine and is making changes to the public broadcaster, which have raised concerns about media freedom.
