Slovak Court Sentences Robert Fico’s Attacker to 21 Years for Terrorism

A Slovak court on Tuesday sentenced 72-year-old Juraj Cintula to 21 years in prison after finding him guilty of terrorism for shooting Prime Minister Robert Fico in May 2024. Cintula fired five shots at close range as Fico greeted supporters in the central town of Handlova, wounding him in the abdomen, hip, hand, and foot. The verdict by the Specialised Criminal Court in Banska Bystrica concluded a high-profile trial that began in July, determining that the act targeted the head of government, not just an individual citizen.

Cintula, a retired mine worker and activist, admitted to the attack but denied intending to kill Fico, claiming he only wanted to stop the prime minister’s “damaging” policies. He called the ruling “unjust” and vowed to appeal. Judge Igor Kralik said the terrorism conviction was justified since the assault aimed to influence political developments in the country. The sentence fell short of a life term, which prosecutors had sought.

The shooting underscored deep divisions within Slovak society. Fico, who returned to power in 2023, has been accused by critics of eroding democratic norms and aligning Slovakia more closely with Moscow. His government halted military aid to Ukraine, restructured the national broadcaster, and introduced controversial criminal code reforms. Despite ongoing health issues from the attack, Fico has said he forgives his assailant.

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