Juraj Cintula, aged 72, has gone on trial for shooting Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico, facing terrorism charges. Fico was shot multiple times during a public greeting, requiring extensive surgery. Cintula expressed disagreement with various state policies, claiming his intent was to harm the prime minister's health but not to kill. Initially charged with attempted murder, prosecutors upgraded the charge to terrorism based on further evidence. Defense counsel disputes the terrorism charge, and hearings are set to continue with potential further dates for a verdict.
Juraj Cintula, 72, shouted "long live democracy, long live freedom" as he arrived at the Specialised Criminal Court in Slovakia, facing terrorism charges.
Cintula admitted to harming the prime minister but insisted he had no intention of killing anyone, citing political disagreement as his motive.
Slovak officials initially viewed the attack as a politically motivated act by a 'lone wolf,' but later investigations suggested possible third-party involvement.
The shooting occurred as Fico was greeting supporters following a government meeting, resulting in multiple gunshot wounds and significant surgical procedures.
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