Trial of PM Robert Fico's Shooter Continues with Testimony of Security Detail

Banska Bystrica, 5 August (TASR) - More than a year since the attempt on Prime Minister Robert Fico's (Smer-SD) life, the trial of shooter Juraj C. [name abbreviated due to legal reasons] continued at the Specialised Criminal Court in Banska Bystrica on Tuesday with the testimonies of witnesses. Members of the Office for the Protection of Constitutional Officials and Diplomatic Missions, who witnessed the shooting, are testifying on Tuesday, the third day of the trial. One of the members of the security detail summoned didn't appear, as he is on a foreign mission. Juraj C., a pensioner, was initially charged with aggravated premeditated attempted murder. In July 2024, the legal classification was changed to an aggravated terrorist attack. If convicted, he might receive a life sentence. His lawyer, Namir Alyasry, told the court in July that while the prosecution of his client is justified, the legal classification of the act as terrorism is disputable. Juraj C. 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 he deliberately aimed downwards and did not intend to kill. In court he reiterated that he's never felt hatred toward the prime minister, but he acknowledged being angry — especially when Fico referred to the cultural community as "spiritually homeless people". ko/df