Court: Defendant Juraj C., Who Shot Premier, Hasn't Yet Apologised to Him

Banska Bystrica, 9 July (TASR) - Attacker Juraj C. (name abbreviated due to legal reasons), who shot and seriously wounded Premier Robert Fico (Smer-SD) in Handlova (Trencin region) on 15 May of last year, claimed that he regretted his actions during the decision-making process on his custody, and he even stated that he was ready to apologise to the victim in person if he had the opportunity to do so, or otherwise in writing, but no apology has yet been made, David Lindtner, lawyer and adviser to the prime minister, has pointed out. "We don't have any writing from him apologising. I don't know of any letter," stated Lindtner. The defendant's defence lawyer Namir Alyasry isn't aware of any apology from Juraj C. in person or in writing to the premier, either. Nor have words of regret or apology yet been heard even at the Specialised Criminal Court (STS) in Banska Bystrica, where the trial continued for a second day on Wednesday. Juraj C., a pensioner, reportedly acted out of anger towards Fico. He 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 that 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". am/df