What are the details on the killing of Fico?
The shock of the assassination attempt on Slovakian Prime Minister Fico is massive. There's news that he's recovering well after undergoing an emergency operation. The suspect's motive is now under investigation. During questioning by the police, he implied being upset about a government reform.
How's Fico doing now?
Fico sustained injuries from gunfire after an assassination attempt while exiting a meeting at a cultural center in Handlova. As per Deputy Prime Minister Tomas Taraba, the operation was successful, and Fico is no longer in immediate danger. However, no one has provided an update on his actual health status. Multiple injuries, known as "polytrauma," affected Fico. While details on the number of shots that hit him remain unclear, reports claim he was shot in his abdomen and left arm. The shooter was subdued and arrested by the Prime Minister's bodyguards, who transferred Fico to the regional capital Banska Bystrica's hospital in a limousine.
What happened that day?
The incident occurred near 2:30 pm on Wednesday during a meeting with government officials. While addressing the crowd, a man reportedly pushed his way through the barricades, shouted angrily at Fico, and fired five shots at close range. Various sources, including RTV Prievidza and Dennik N, mention that the actual number of shots fired varies between four and five.
Who is the assailant?
Interior Minister Matus Sutaj-Estok informed the public that the suspect is a 71-year-old man named Juraj C. He formerly worked security in a mall. Some sources, including the Guardian, claim that he's a writer as well. The Slovakian Writers' Association, of which he was a member, confirmed his membership. This officially recognized association announced it would take action if the accusations turned out to be true. Writers' Association President Maireanne McNulty stated, "We want to make it clear that this detestable person is no longer a member of the Association." C.'s residence is said to be in the central Slovak town of Levice - about 75 kilometers from Handlova.
The suspect's online history reportedly highlights his strong dissatisfaction with the world as being full of violence and weapons. There's also concern about immigration, hatred, and extremism. In opposition to all this, he founded a "movement against violence."
The motive is still fuzzy, but what does the suspect say?
C.'s motives still aren't entirely clear. Various reports suggest he muttered, "I don't agree with the government's policies" during questioning, but this hasn't been officially confirmed. However, leaked video and audio recordings reveal him reacting violently towards Fico's media reforms. His son indicated his father legally possessed a firearm. When asked if his father harbored animosity towards Fico, his son stated, "He never voted for him, that's all I can say." His wife was also detained for further questioning.
What's the fallout of this event?
Sutaj-Estok declared that the authorities would strive to guarantee the safety of the population. He requested people to remain calm and avoid responding to hatred with more hatred. At a press conference at the presidential palace, President Zuzana Caputova urged restraint in public rhetoric. Parliament concluded its tumultuous session early and delayed future sessions indefinitely. The liberal opposition parties, which were planning a mass demonstration against Fico's populist government and its intention to dissolve the public radio and television station RTVS, postponed all political rallies following the shooting.
Read also:
- Year of climate records: extreme is the new normal
- Precautionary arrests show Islamist terror threat
- UN vote urges Israel to ceasefire
- SPD rules out budget resolution before the end of the year
The assassination attempt on Prime Minister Fico took place in Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia. Authorities are investigating potential political motives behind the attack, as the suspect expressed dissatisfaction with the government during his questioning.
Source: www.ntv.de
