Slovak PM Robert Fico in Serious Condition After Being Shot Five Times, Suspect in Custody

May 18, 2024, 10:37 AM

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico remains in serious but stable condition after undergoing multiple surgeries following an assassination attempt on Wednesday. Fico was shot five times, sustaining four gunshot wounds, and has undergone two surgeries to address his injuries. The suspect, 71-year-old Juraj Cintula, who claims he intended to wound rather than kill Fico, appeared in court on Saturday and has been ordered to remain in pre-trial detention. Fico is currently in Banska Bystrica, and doctors have decided not to transport him to Bratislava for now. The attack has intensified political tensions in Slovakia, with Fico's allies blaming critical media coverage for contributing to the violence. Newly elected President Peter Pellegrini visited Fico in the hospital.