The Slovak man convicted of attempting to assassinate Prime Minister Robert Fico earlier this year has been sentenced to 25 years in prison, following a high-profile trial that exposed growing political extremism in the country.
According to court documents, the assailant — identified as Juraj Cintula, a 71-year-old former security guard — was found guilty of premeditated attempted murder and unlawful possession of firearms. The May 2025 shooting outside a government event in Handlová left Fico critically injured and sparked nationwide outrage, prompting calls for stricter measures against hate-driven violence.
During the sentencing, the presiding judge described the act as “a politically motivated attack aimed at destabilizing the Slovak Republic.” Prosecutors argued that Cintula’s actions were influenced by disinformation and anti-government rhetoric circulating online.
The courtroom was packed as the verdict was read, with both supporters and opponents of the prime minister in attendance. Fico, who has since returned to limited public duties, expressed gratitude to law enforcement for ensuring justice, stating that “no grievance or ideology justifies violence.”
The incident had earlier prompted a temporary shutdown of parliamentary proceedings and heightened security around political figures. Analysts note that the attack deepened divisions in Slovakia’s polarized political landscape, highlighting the dangers of extremist propaganda and unchecked online radicalization.
