Trial with PM Robert Fico's Shooter Begins

Banska Bystrica/Bratislava, 8 July (TASR) - More than a year since the attempt on Prime Minister Robert Fico's (Smer-SD) life, the trial with shooter Juraj C. [name abbreviated due to legal reasons] began at the Specialised Criminal Court in Banska Bystrica on Tuesday. Juraj C. faces charges of aggravated terrorist attack committed against a public official. He gravely injured the Prime Minister with multiple shots on 15 May 2024 in the village of Handlova, where the government held an away-from-home session. The defendant, a pensioner currently held in police custody, was brought to court by armed police about 30 minutes before the session started. Upon entering the building, he shouted, "Long live free culture!" When asked why he shot the Prime Minister, he replied, "Because he was strangling culture." Inside the court building, he also shouted: "Long live democracy!" Prime Minister Fico, who is a victim in the case, did not attend the hearing. He previously stated in the media that he does not intend to appear in court. He is represented by his adviser, lawyer David Lindtner. Juraj C. faces a potential life sentence. He was initially charged with the aggravated crime of premeditated murder in the attempt stage. In July 2024, the legal classification was changed to the aggravated crime of a terrorist attack. In March, the Office of the Prosecutor-General announced that it had filed charges against Juraj C. for the aggravated crime of a terrorist attack committed against a protected public official. mf