Juraj Cintula : “71-year-old suspect in Slovakia PM shooting”

On Wednesday, 16 May, the tranquil Slovakian town of Handlova was rocked by a shocking incident that left the entire nation in disbelief. The country’s prime minister, Robert Fico, was targeted in an assassination attempt that left him hospitalised with life-threatening injuries. The news sent shockwaves through the political landscape of Slovakia and beyond.

What Happened to Robert Fico?

Robert Fico, the longest-serving leader of Slovakia, was walking in a crowd of people after attending a government meeting in Handlova when the unthinkable occurred. Gunshots rang out, with witnesses later revealing that Fico was shot at five times before collapsing to the ground. His security detail swiftly moved him into his armoured limousine, and he was rushed to a nearby hospital in Banska Bystrica for emergency treatment.

Upon arrival at the hospital, it was initially reported that Fico had sustained life-threatening injuries. Deputy Prime Minister Tomáš Taraba informed the media that Fico had been heavily injured, with one bullet piercing his stomach and another hitting his joints. However, after undergoing hours-long surgery, Taraba later confirmed that Fico was out of immediate danger and on the path to recovery.

The Man Behind the Attack

The gunman responsible for the assassination attempt was swiftly apprehended at the scene. Identified as 71-year-old Juraj Cintula, a government critic and poet, the suspect was known for his activism against violence. Cintula, a registered gun owner, had founded a campaign group advocating for peace and non-violence in Slovakia.

While Cintula’s motives remain unclear, his actions have sent shockwaves through the nation. His son expressed bewilderment at his father’s actions, stating that he had no knowledge of any animosity towards Fico. The Literary Club, of which Cintula was a member, promptly disavowed him, denouncing his actions as despicable.

Reactions and Consequences

The attempted assassination of Robert Fico has sparked outrage and condemnation from politicians and leaders across the globe. US President Joe Biden expressed alarm at the incident, labeling it a horrific act of violence. The Slovakian government has termed the shooting as an attack on democracy, emphasizing the need for unity and peace in the face of such senseless violence.

Slovakia’s outgoing President Zuzana Caputova pointed to the prevalence of hateful rhetoric in society as a contributing factor to the incident. Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák echoed her sentiments, decrying hate speech and division as detrimental to the nation’s political climate.

The shooting comes at a critical juncture for Slovakia, with European parliament elections just around the corner. The European Commission has warned of the potential for further violence in the wake of the attack, underscoring the need for unity and solidarity in the face of adversity.

As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event, the resilience and resolve of the Slovakian people shine through. With a renewed commitment to peace and harmony, Slovakia stands united in the face of adversity.

With inputs from agencies