Slovak court convicts man of terrorism in Fico shooting, 21 years.

A Slovak court on Tuesday convicted Juraj Cintula, 72, of terrorism and sentenced him to 21 years in prison for the May 15, 2024, shooting of Prime Minister Robert Fico in the central town of Handlová. Cintula fired at Fico from about one metre as the prime minister greeted people after a government meeting, shooting five times and striking Fico four times. The prime minister suffered a serious abdominal wound and additional injuries to his hip, hand and foot, underwent surgery and resumed public appearances about two months later.

The Specialized Criminal Court in Banská Bystrica delivered the verdict after a trial that opened in July and focused on whether the attack met the legal definition of terrorism. The three-judge panel concluded that Cintula acted with the aim of undermining the proper functioning of the government, rather than out of personal revenge, and that his actions were politically motivated. Igor Králik, who read the verdict, said the defendant had targeted the prime minister and was inciting people to overthrow the government.

Prosecutors had sought a life sentence, but the court imposed 21 years, citing the defendant’s age and cooperation during proceedings...