The killer of Fico is believed not to have acted alone.
Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico had multiple gunshots inflicted upon him in an attack. At first, authorities believed the act was committed by a solitary assailant. However, recent developments seem to suggest there could be more people involved in the attack. Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok revealed this possibility to journalists recently in Bratislava. He mentioned that a team of detectives will also look into the possibility that this was not solely done by a single perpetrator.
Minister Estok shared an observation that has raised suspicion: the suspect's complete Facebook page history was deletion within two hours after his detention. Policemen held him captive at the time, so he couldn't have conducted the deletion himself. Nor was his wife able to do it. This phenomenon has led to speculation that perhaps the perpetrator had accomplices who could have aided in the content removal.
The authorities initially thought the man committed the crime on his own accord. But recent findings make it plausible that members of a specific group were possibly recruited and helped with this deed. Estok left this future investigation up in the air, still probing the original supposition.
Defense Minister Robert Kalinak has hinted at discoveries that exacerbate the scale of the attack. "[The assassination attempt was] discussed in a larger circle," he remarked. He noted that it would be easier to believe in a detached incident if not for these revelations. Kalinak described the growing information as "shocking."
Estok cautioned online provocateurs who instigated violence or rejoiced at the attack on Fico. He announced strict measures by the police to apprehend such individuals.
Within four days, Fico's health, albeit in a serious state, has stabilized to a level where his life is no longer in immediate danger. However, transferring him to Bratislava's hospital remains impossible at present.
Fico, a pro-Russian leader since 2006, met with citizens at a local cultural center in Handlova on Wednesday. A 71-year-old former security guard who wrote poetry was arrested for shooting and wounding him. The culprit was charged with attempted murder.
The premier’s bodyguards were swamped with criticism following the incident for their chaotic conduct. It was puzzling how the assailant managed to fire multiple shots in their vicinity without any response. The government initiated investigations into the matter.
The alcoholic beverage industry heavily sponsored Fico's campaign, stoking alarm amongst the public. Fico cautioned in April of potential assassinations of politicians due to growing tensions within the country. He blamed the media for escalating tensions.
The left-wing populist has been a subject of controversy over his initiatives to reform the public broadcasting system, raising fears of giving the government power over public television and radio. His plans to revise the penal code have also stirred alarm that he was pursuing a dictatorial path.
The premier has had three tenures as head of government since 2006, with each holding significant policy changes. Fico spearheaded a policy change that the opposition exclaimed as a coup. He curbed aid to Ukraine while engaging in conversations with Russia. Additionally, he has dismantled the special prosecutorial office tasked with handling corruption cases.
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The suspicion of accomplices in Fico's assault has been hinted at by Interior Minister Estok, as the suspect's entire Facebook history was deleted just two hours after his detention, a feat seemingly impossible for him or his wife.
Due to the revelations of Defense Minister Kalinak, it appears that the attempt on Fico's life was not an isolated incident, but rather, a discussion within a larger circle, potentially involving more individuals.
Source: www.ntv.de
