Slovakian Man Sentenced to 21 Years for Shooting PM Robert Fico

A Slovakian court has sentenced 72-year-old Juraj Cintula to 21 years in prison for shooting and wounding Prime Minister Robert Fico in May 2024. Cintula, who opened fire five times at close range while Fico was greeting constituents in the town of Handlová, was convicted on terrorism charges by the specialized criminal court in Banska Bystrica on October 3, 2025.

The trial, which commenced in July 2025, focused on whether Cintula’s actions constituted terrorism or lesser charges such as attempted murder. During the attack, Fico was struck four times, sustaining serious injuries to his abdomen, hip, hand, and foot. He made a public appearance for the first time in July following the shooting and returned to work shortly thereafter.

Cintula, dressed in a blue shirt and black hooded sweatshirt during the court proceedings, stated he did not intend to kill Fico but aimed to halt what he perceived as damaging policies affecting Slovakian culture and freedom. Upon leaving the courtroom, he expressed his intention to appeal the verdict, claiming it was “unjust.”

Context of the Attack and Legal Proceedings

The shooting highlighted significant societal divisions in Slovakia, particularly the tensions between Fico, a populist leader who has held power for over 11 years across three terms since 2006, and the opposition parties. Fico has accused the largely liberal, pro-European Union opposition of creating an environment of hostility that contributed to the attack. In contrast, the opposition has criticized Fico for undermining democratic norms and media freedom while allegedly covering up corruption.

Judge Igor Kralik emphasized the targeted nature of the attack, stating, “The court considers proven that the defendant did not attack a citizen but specifically the prime minister.” The court’s decision reflects Cintula’s own rationale for the shooting, which he described as a desperate act against what he sees as a paralyzing fear in society.

Cintula’s defense team, which includes a lawyer who argued that not every assault on a public figure qualifies as terrorism, sought a reduced sentence. They contended that his actions stemmed from political dissent rather than a desire to instill terror. In response, lawyer David Lindtner, representing Fico, characterized Cintula as a terrorist aiming to set a precedent for resolving political disputes through violence.

Fico’s Political Legacy and Reaction

Since returning to power in 2023, Fico has made controversial decisions, such as ceasing military assistance to Ukraine and seeking closer ties with Moscow. He has also overhauled the public broadcasting service and introduced new criminal codes—changes critics argue have weakened democracy in Slovakia.

Cintula has publicly expressed his opposition to Fico’s policies on various fronts, stating during his trial that the attack was a “scream against fear that is paralyzing society.” Despite the turmoil stemming from the incident, Fico has stated that he has forgiven Cintula, although he continues to face health issues related to the gunfire.

As Slovakia grapples with these profound political and social divisions, the ramifications of this case will likely resonate throughout the nation for years to come. The court’s verdict and the underlying tensions reflect a society at a crossroads, where the intersections of politics, violence, and public sentiment are increasingly intertwined.