Sutaj Estok: Anniversary of Assassination Attempt Shows Where Hatred Can Lead(2)

Bratislava, 15 May (TASR) - The anniversary of the assassination attempt on Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) isn't just a reminder of the gunshots as such, but also a warning of where hatred, fanaticism in society and the long-term dehumanisation of political opponents can lead, Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok (Voice-SD) posted on social media on Friday in connection with the second anniversary of the incident. "Slovakia must remember this day, so that political fanaticism, which resulted in an attempt to physically eliminate a person for a political opinion or for holding a public office, should never happen again. Tough political competition - yes. Hatred, dehumanisation and gunshots - never," stressed Sutaj Estok, adding that the would-be assassin didn't grow up in a vacuum. "He was part of an environment that politicians of the current opposition and part of the media have nourished for years with hatred towards people with a different political opinion," added the minister. The junior coalition Voice-SD party later added that an attempt to assassinate a democratically elected prime minister isn't only an attack on a specific individual but also on the basic principles of democracy and the stability of the Slovak Republic. "In the same vein, we strongly reject any form of violence, hatred and radicalisation in society, especially if motivated by political beliefs or driven by an effort to silence a differing opinion. The political struggle must be conducted in a democratic way, based on arguments and respect, and not through aggression and attacks. In a democracy, voters decide who runs the country through elections, and the result of their free decision must be respected," stated Voice-SD. Friday marks two years since the assassination attempt on the premier following an away-from-home government session in Handlova (Trencin region). Premier Fico was shot and seriously wounded by pensioner Juraj Cintula. In late April, the Supreme Court upheld a 21-year prison sentence for the perpetrator and confirmed that he committed the act with the intention of undermining the constitutional order of the state. NOTE: This story has been extended to include paragraphs 4 and 5 jrg/df