BRATISLAVA, Slovakia — Slovak authorities announced that they have concluded their investigation into the attempted assassination of Prime Minister Robert Fico, recommending that the suspect face charges for committing a “terror attack.” These developments mark a significant step forward in a year-long inquiry into the assault on the populist leader.
Prosecutor-General Maroš Žilinka revealed that the prosecution team will now examine all evidence before deciding if the suspect, identified only as J.C., will go to trial. However, the timeline for a trial has not been established.
The incident occurred on May 15, when the assailant attacked Fico. Thankfully, the suspect was promptly apprehended and has been detained ever since by court order. Initially charged with attempted murder, the charges were later modified to reflect new evidence, although Žilinka abstained from sharing details on these findings.
The government had initially speculated that the attack might have been politically motivated, potentially involving a “lone wolf” and suggested that an enigmatic “third party” could have been aiding the assailant.
Fico, who suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the abdomen while greeting supporters in Handlová, has since made a full recovery. Known for being a polarizing figure both domestically and internationally, Fico’s leadership often sparks controversy.
Across Slovakia, Fico’s political stances, particularly his pro-Russian policies, have prompted massive protests. Despite the dissent and unrest, Fico’s party, Smer, also known as Direction, secured victory in the 2023 parliamentary elections, propelling him to his fourth term as prime minister.
