PM Fico's Video Testimony Played as Trial Continues for Shooter

Banska Bystrica/Bratislava, 9 July (TASR) – The trial of Juraj C. [name abbreviated due to legal reasons], who shot Prime Minister Robert Fico in Handlova (Trencin region) on 15 May 2024, entered its second day at the Specialised Criminal Court in Banska Bystrica on Wednesday. The shooter is charged with the aggravated crime of a terrorist attack against a protected public official. During the session, the court reviewed a video recording of Fico's testimony from July 2024. In it, the prime minister described how, after a government session in Handlova, he approached a group of 15 to 20 people standing behind barriers. Noticing an older woman waving, he decided to greet them. He didn't notice anyone resembling the defendant. As the prime minister approached the group, he heard four or five noises, which he did not immediately recognise as gunfire. He didn't see who was shooting or where the shots came from. He recalled feeling a blow to the abdomen and falling to the ground. Security personnel rushed to him, hurried him into a vehicle, and transported him away. He remained conscious throughout. Fico stated that a bullet shattered his hip joint, and further treatment may require a replacement. He also suffers from persistent digestive issues caused by the abdominal injury and requires a special diet. Juraj C., a pensioner, reportedly acted out of anger towards Fico. He has disagreed with the government's policies, which he viewed as a betrayal of the EU, and he wanted Slovakia to provide military aid to Ukraine. Juraj C. allegedly chose the government’s away-from-home session in Handlova as an opportunity to attack Fico, aiming to render him unable to continue as prime minister. He used a legally owned firearm and fired five shots. The defendant claims he deliberately aimed downwards and did not intend to kill. On the first day of the trial, 8 July, Juraj C. declined to plead guilty or not guilty and refused to testify, saying that he had already provided all relevant information during the investigation. On Wednesday, he reiterated that he's never felt hatred toward the prime minister, but acknowledged being angry — especially when Fico referred to the cultural community as "spiritually homeless people". His lawyer, Namir Alyasry, told the court that while the prosecution of his client is justified, the legal classification of the act as terrorism is disputable. He argued that not every attack on a public official constitutes terrorism. If convicted, Juraj C. might face a life sentence. mf/df