A 72-year-old man, Juaraj Cintula, who shot and seriously injured Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in May 2024, has been sentenced to 21 years in prison after being found guilty of terrorism.
The attack occurred in the city of Handlova, where Fico was visiting. Cintula fired five shots at close range, just as the Prime Minister extended his hand, believing the elderly man in front of him was a supporter.
In court, Cintula denied attempting to kill Fico, claiming he deliberately aimed away from vital organs. Fico sustained serious abdominal injuries and was airlifted to a nearby hospital for emergency surgery. He spent several days in critical condition and only returned to public appearances months after his recovery.
