PM Fico Links Shooter Cintula to Opposition and Media, Welcomes End of Trial

Bratislava, 30 April (TASR) - Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) on Thursday welcomed the conclusion of the trial of shooter Juraj Cintula in connection with the assassination attempt on him in Handlova in May 2024, and he once again linked it to opposition representatives and the media, adding that he wants nothing from the shooter. "However, it's not this poor wretch who should be in the dock, it should have been those who turned him into a terrorist," he stated with regard to Cintula, naming several politicians from opposition parties. He also believes that the opposition is becoming even more aggressive and is producing new terrorists, and he stressed that he didn't interfere in the criminal proceedings. Fico explained that Cintula shot through his abdominal cavity, rupturing the small intestine and shattering his hip joint. Fico had to undergo three operations within a few days of the assassination attempt. "I was lucky, in a way, because a bullet aimed at my heart left only a V-shaped burn on my chest as I turned sideways to the shooter. No, it's not the 'V' that the opposition so often shows as a sign of victory in the upcoming elections; it's a 'V' sign for the victory of terrorism," stated Fico, adding that he has every right to celebrate his 'second birthday'. He once again extended his gratitude to the medical staff. The Supreme Court on Wednesday (29 April) confirmed a 21-year prison sentence for shooter Juraj Cintula for his assassination attempt on Fico, finding him guilty of committing a terrorist attack. The ruling by the court of appeal, which slightly corrected the legal classification imposed by the first-instance court, is final. jrg/df