Moderate faith in Fico's well-being
The Slovakian prime minister's current condition remains unchanged as he recovers from a deadly attempt on his life. His journey to the capital, Bratislava, seems uncertain in the immediate future. The government is considering the possibility of a transfer to the capital in the near future.
Prime Minister Robert Fico's state of health is stable but still critical, stated Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Robert Kalinak in front of the hospital where the Slovakian leader is recovering. The transfer from Banska Bystrica to Bratislava might not occur in the next few days due to the high risk of complications. The attempted assassin is presently detained.
Fico underwent a follow-up surgery on Friday, which improved his overall condition, as reported by Slovakian Health Minister Zuzana Dolinkova. The 59-year-old was wounded by five shots at close range during a citizen meeting, around 200 kilometers away from Bratislava, on Wednesday.
Reports suggest that the detained suspect involved in the shooting incident is a 71-year-old former security guard from Levice. He has written three books of poetry and is facing charges for attempted murder. The Interior Ministry confirms that the culprit acted alone. The alleged perpetrator, whom Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok described as "angry" over the election outcome, apparently found Peter Pellegrini's election victory to be unacceptable. Pellegrini, an ally of populist Fico, was elected president.
Custody secured
The attacker has now been placed under arrest. This decision was reached today at noon by the specialized court for organized and politically motivated crimes in Pezinok, explained court spokesperson Katarina Kudjakova. The arrest was justified due to the high chance of the perpetrator escaping and committing more violent crimes. The detainee can appeal the decision. Previously, the media reported that the suspect had confessed during police questioning. The prosecutor's office made the application for pre-trial detention.
First taking office in October, Fico has served as Prime Minister on three separate occasions since 2006. He is known for his efforts to introduce a policy shift, which critics in the opposition argue amounts to a power grab. He previously reduced aid to Ukraine, while instigating a dialogue with Russia. He also blamed NATO for Russia's war of aggression. Fico also dismantled a corruption-fighting special public prosecutor's office.
As a result of the assassination attempt, threats have been mounting against other politicians. Fico himself has received death threats, according to Interior Minister Estok. One of the largest governing parties led by Fico, "Direction - Slovak Social Democracy" also saw a member of parliament targeted. Identified perpetrators were responsible for both incidents. Earlier, death threats against liberal opposition leader Michal Simecka and his family had become public. In addition to alarming threats, the number of hostile comments on social media has increased drastically, claimed Slovakian media, citing experts.
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Despite the arrest of the perpetrator, heightened security measures are necessary in Slovakia due to escalating threats against politicians. The assailant, a 71-year-old former security guard, was found to have written poetry and harbored resentment towards the election outcome, specifically Fico's ally, Peter Pellegrini.
Given the success of securing custody, Slovakia's authorities are now focusing on investigating politically motivated attacks, such as the attempt on Prime Minister Fico's life. The attempt on Fico's life, an assassination attempt, took place in Banska Bystrica, leaving him critically wounded from five gunshots.
Source: www.ntv.de
