Slovakia has officially reclassified the recent shooting incident involving Prime Minister Robert Fico as a terror attack rather than attempted murder, announced a spokesperson on Thursday.
Prime Minister Fico sustained serious injuries when an assailant shot him four times at close range following an off-site government meeting in central Slovakia on May 15. The suspect, identified as 71-year-old poet Juraj Cintula by Slovak media, has been charged with premeditated attempted murder and is currently in custody.
Zuzana Drobova, spokesperson for the general prosecutor's office, confirmed the reclassification to AFP, stating, "We informed the suspect today that the incident is now classified as a particularly serious terror attack," while refraining from disclosing further details.
The 59-year-old Fico heads a governing coalition consisting of his centrist populist Smer-SD party, the centrist Hlas party, and the far-right SNS. Following two extensive surgeries at a hospital in Banska Bystrica, central Slovakia, Fico was discharged on May 31 for continued treatment at his home in Bratislava.
Summary of Slovakia PM Shooting Incident: What We Know
Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot multiple times on May 15 during a visit to Handlova, where he was greeting supporters moments before the attack.
The 59-year-old, known as a Putin ally, was swiftly transported to a local hospital and later airlifted to Banská Bystrica hospital. His condition remains critical, with the next hours deemed crucial.
A man was apprehended at the scene and is currently held in police custody.
European leaders have strongly condemned the assault. UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak stated, “Shocked to hear this awful news. All our thoughts are with Prime Minister Fico and his family.”
The shooting incident occurred merely three weeks prior to the pivotal European Union Parliament elections.
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