Slovakia's Supreme Court upholds 21-year sentence for PM Fico's attacker

Slovakia’s Supreme Court upheld a lower court’s conviction of Juraj Cintula for a terrorist attack against Prime Minister Robert Fico. Cintula, 73, was sentenced to 21 years in prison for shooting at Fico during a public event on May 15, 2024. He was arrested at the scene and claimed his motive was opposition to government policies.

Cintula disagreed with Fico’s policies, particularly the cancellation of a special prosecution office and the ending of military aid to Ukraine. Fico was shot in the abdomen and required multiple surgeries but has since recovered. The Supreme Court's decision is final. Fico remains a controversial figure in Slovak politics.