politics

Slovak PM Shooter Denounces Fico as Trial Ope

The trial of the man charged with shooting and injuring Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico kicked off in the central city of Banská Bystrica on Monday. The attacker, Juraj Cintula, said he acted because of politics, though he denied committing an act of terrorism.

 

By Oskar Malec | Last Updated: 8 Jul 2025
Led into a packed Specialised Criminal Court in chains, Cintula shouted "Because he throttled culture" when asked why he had shot the prime minister. And he added, “Long live free culture! Long live democracy!” waving while clad in a light blue-violet shirt.

Prosecution Seeks Harsh Penalty, Defence Says Not Terrorism
Prosecutor Katarina Habcakova told the court that Cintula had sought a deal for a 12-year prison sentence, but his offer was declined by the authorities. She contended that the attacker “wanted to disable forever Fico from being the prime minister and… this would cause a serious hindrance to the course of the government”.

Defence lawyer for Cintula denied the terrorism charge, insisting that the attack was not an act of terrorism, just one against Fico, and should not be considered a general threat to the state or society.

The killing occurred in the town of Handlova in May, when Fico was meeting voters there. Cintula fired from point-blank range – just over four feet away. Fico, who was struck four times, in the abdomen. The violence drew shock across the nation and added to political divisions.

Fico: Out of Power, Tension on the Rise
Robert Fico, 60, a veteran politician who has served as prime minister in three terms beginning in 2006, swept back into office in 2023 running on a program that questioned military aid to Ukraine and advocated closer relations with Russia.

His administration has since proposed changes to the criminal law and the media that critics say would undermine democratic norms.

Cintula, a former miner, stonemason, and security guard, told investigators he had planned to hurt — but not kill — the prime minister. He referred to disputes over the Fico government’s policies on Ukraine, the news media, and cultural issues.

Fico has blamed liberal, pro-European opposition groups for fomenting the political animosity that prompted the attack, but his critics have fiercely denied any involvement. Large protests broke out earlier this year over his pro-Russian position and policy rollbacks, which Fico has described as attempts at a government overthrow—allegations that protestors have denied.

Fico has extended no personal interest regarding the attack but he claims to have forgiven Cintula, who was charged with assault, and has no intention to participate in the trial unless called to.

The court will hold further hearings on Tuesday and Wednesday and probably further sessions later this year before a judgment is delivered.

 

Related Posts

Trump's Oil Tariff Threats Risk Economic Fallout

Trump's Oil Tariff Threats Risk Economic Fallout

Mr. Trump used a variant of his long-favoured tariff strategy- threatening to impose secondary tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil unless Moscow signs onto the same peace deal in Ukraine. The risk of both political and economic blowback at home and abroad is high, given the move comes just days before a Friday deadline.

Warsaw Court Overturns Museum Director's Dismissal

Warsaw Court Overturns Museum Director's Dismissal

Polish History Museum Director Robert Kostro did not lawfully lose his job in 2023 -- a Warsaw court has said that he was stripped of it by then--Culture Minister Hanna Wróblewska. Before he was removed as president, Kostro had been at the institution for 18 years.

Ukraine Urges Cooperation with New Polish President

Ukraine Urges Cooperation with New Polish President

Ukraine wants to have "a constructive and fruitful" dialogue with newly sworn-in Polish President Karol Nawrocki. The statement by Ukrainian Ambassador to Poland Vasyl Bodnar, after Nawrocki was sworn in on Wednesday, is a signal from Kyiv that it is prepared to co-operate with the new mayoralty despite potential difficulties stemming from Polish political issues.

Trump May Meet Putin and Zelenskyy Next Week

Trump May Meet Putin and Zelenskyy Next Week

If all goes well, a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin could take place in person next week for U.S. President Donald Trump. It has been a part of a wider process to end the war between Russia and Ukraine. Another way is a three-way summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Inga Ruginienė Named Lithuania's PM Candidate

Inga Ruginienė Named Lithuania's PM Candidate

The ruling Social Democrat party in Lithuania has named Social Affairs Minister Inga Ruginienė as its candidate for prime minister. It follows the resignation of Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas earlier this week. A former trade union leader, the 44-year-old Ruginiene joined the cabinet in 2024. She will now face a parliamentary confidence vote and must receive approval for her cabinet program to formally take up office.

Bosnia Removes Dodik as Serb Leader After Jail Ruling

Bosnia Removes Dodik as Serb Leader After Jail Ruling

Bosnia's Central Election Commission officially deposed Milorad Dodik, president of the Bosnian Serb Republic, after a court sentenced him to one year in prison and banned him from holding public office for six years. The ruling, which was upheld by an appeals court, will go into effect automatically after the appeal period. The commission member Suad Arnautovic said a new election for the Serb entity's presidency would be likely held in 90 days.

Advertisement

LATEST INSIGHTS

Potrzebujemy chwili Twojej uwagi

Uwielbiamy pliki cookie — zarówno te jadalne, jak i cyfrowe, które ulepszają Twoje wrażenia z przeglądania. Pomagają nam one udoskonalać funkcjonalność naszej witryny i Twoje ogólne wrażenia. Podstawowe i funkcjonalne pliki cookie są niezbędne do prawidłowego działania witryny i nie można ich wyłączyć. Ponadto używamy plików cookie w celu optymalizacji wydajności („komfort”) i wyświetlania spersonalizowanych reklam („marketing”), na co potrzebujemy Twojej zgody. Kliknij „Zezwól na wszystkie”, aby wyrazić zgodę na przetwarzanie danych. Uwielbiamy pliki cookie — zarówno te jadalne, jak i cyfrowe, które ulepszają Twoje wrażenia z przeglądania. Pomagają nam one udoskonalać funkcjonalność naszej witryny i Twoje ogólne wrażenia z przeglądania. Podstawowe i funkcjonalne pliki cookie są niezbędne do prawidłowego działania witryny i nie można ich wyłączyć. Ponadto używamy plików cookie w celu optymalizacji wydajności („komfort”) i wyświetlania spersonalizowanych reklam („marketing”), na co potrzebujemy Twojej zgody. Kliknij „Zezwól na wszystkie”, aby wyrazić zgodę na przetwarzanie danych.

Twoja zgoda obowiązuje również na mocy art. 49 (1) (a) RODO, co oznacza, że ​​Twoje dane mogą być tymczasowo przetwarzane poza EOG, w tym w USA. W takich przypadkach wysokie europejskie standardy ochrony danych mogą nie być w pełni zagwarantowane, a władze USA mogą uzyskać dostęp do Twoich danych bez skutecznego środka prawnego. Możesz wycofać swoją zgodę w dowolnym momencie.

PrywatnośćWarunki korzystania z serwisu

Możesz zarządzać swoimi preferencjami dotyczącymi plików cookie lub wycofać zgodę w dowolnym momencie za pośrednictwem naszych ustawień plików cookie. Aby uzyskać więcej informacji, zapoznaj się z naszą Polityką prywatności.