May 18th 2024.
On Saturday, the accused man who allegedly attempted to assassinate Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was ordered to remain in custody. The recent attack has left Fico in a serious but stable condition, after he miraculously survived multiple gunshot wounds. According to officials, Fico was shot in the abdomen while greeting supporters after a government meeting in the town of Handlova on Wednesday.
The suspect, who fired five rounds before being apprehended, was ordered to remain in detention by Slovakia's Specialised Criminal Court. Prosecutors expressed concerns that he may flee or commit other crimes if released. The suspect has the option to appeal this order to the Supreme Court.
The identity and details of the suspect have not been released to the public, but there have been reports that he is a 71-year-old retiree known for his love of poetry. It is believed that he may have worked as a mall security guard in the southwest region of the country.
The courthouse in Pezinok, a small town outside the capital, was heavily guarded by police and only allowed limited access to the media. The suspect was escorted out of the courthouse just hours after government officials announced that Fico's condition was improving after surgery to remove dead tissue from his wounds. However, Fico is still not well enough to be transferred to a hospital in the capital.
Defence Minister Rober Kalinak expressed his gratitude to the medical staff for their efforts in treating Fico, saying that "several miracles have occurred" in the past few days. He also thanked the public for their support and offered words of hope for Fico's recovery.
The suspect was taken to his home in the town of Levice by police on Friday, where they seized a computer and some documents. The police have not released any information regarding the suspect or how he obtained the firearm used in the attack. Slovakia has strict laws regarding gun ownership, with a low gun ownership rate compared to other European Union countries.
The attack on Fico has been condemned by world leaders, who have also offered support for Fico and Slovakia. Fico has been a controversial figure in Slovakia and beyond, with his return to power last year causing concerns among fellow EU and NATO members. There were fears that he would steer the country away from its pro-Western stance, particularly in regards to Ukraine.
Under Fico's leadership, Slovakia has shown support for Ukraine, but he halted arms deliveries to the country upon his return to power. His government has also faced criticism for their efforts to control public broadcasting and amend the penal code. Opponents fear that Fico's actions may lead to a more authoritarian regime in Slovakia.
Thousands of people have taken to the streets to protest Fico's policies, and the media has been a frequent target of his criticism. In fact, just last month, Fico took to Facebook to express his concern that rising tensions in the country could lead to the killing of politicians. He also blamed the media for fueling these tensions.
Despite Fico's absence, the government is still operating as planned and moving forward with his agenda. While communication with Fico is limited due to his condition, Defence Minister Kalinak will be in charge for the next government session on Wednesday. The Slovak government office has assured the public that there is nothing imminent that requires the prime minister's attention.
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