Lindtner: PM Fico Forgives Attacker, Who's Victim of Media Campaign

Bratislava/Banska Bystrica, 8 July (TASR) – Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) has forgiven Juraj C. [name abbreviated due to legal reasons], the man who seriously injured him by shooting him in Handlova on 15 May 2024, Fico's legal representative and adviser David Lindtner stated during the opening day of the trial at the Specialised Criminal Court in Banska Bystrica on Tuesday. "The defendant is both a victim and the product of an aggressive media campaign, propaganda and false narratives spread by the progressive political opposition. That's why the root causes of this act and the defendant’s radicalisation must be sought elsewhere. The media have significantly contributed to the current tense atmosphere in society," claimed Lindtner. Juraj C., a pensioner, is charged with the aggravated crime of a terrorist attack committed against a protected public official and faces a potential life sentence. His defence attorney, Namir Alyasry, acknowledged that the shooting occurred and that the defendant has confessed to committing it, so putting him on trial is justified. However, he rejected the terrorism charge - arguing that not every attack on a public official constitutes terrorism. According to the defence, Juraj C. acted out of personal anger towards Fico, not towards the government as a whole. He's even expressed sympathy for ministers Denisa Sakova, Erik Tomas (both Voice-SD), and Jozef Raz (nominated by Smer-SD). His intention, the attorney claimed, was to injure Fico so that Fico could no longer serve as prime minister — but not to kill him. To that end, Alyasry underlined, Juraj C. deliberately aimed at Fico's legs. Lindtner countered that the legal classification of terrorism is appropriate, emphasising that the attack was not just directed at one individual but at the constitutional order, which the prime minister represents. He added that Fico is not expected to be summoned as a witness. The prosecutor has not requested his personal testimony. mf/df