Slovak PM's Attacker in Court Claims No Intent to Kill

Trial Commences for Slovak PM's Shooter

Juraj Cintula, accused of shooting Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, appeared in court today claiming he never intended to kill. The attack occurred in May 2024 after a political gathering, leaving Fico critically wounded before his recovery.

Defendant's Contradictory Statements

Cintula entered court declaring 'Long live democracy, long live free culture.' Prosecutors presented his statement: 'I disagreed with government policies destroying Slovak parliament, cultural persecution, and opposed Ukraine military support. I decided to wound the prime minister but didn't want to kill anyone.'

Political Context of Attack

The assassination attempt coincided with Fico's controversial reforms: replacing cultural institution directors, dismantling anti-corruption prosecutors, restructuring public media under political control, and establishing ethics commissions. These changes sparked nationwide protests and opposition criticism.

Government Blames Media and Opposition

Fico's SMER party continues accusing critical media and opposition parties of creating environment for violence. MEP Luboš Blaha claimed on Telegram: 'Cintula is your creation.' No evidence links opposition directly to attack.

Psychological Evaluation

A psychiatric assessment presented in court indicates Cintula has mental health issues yet understood consequences. Testimony from former friends describes him as increasingly bitter, with relationships fracturing over Ukraine war disagreements.