Slovak PM attack: 71-year-old 'lone wolf' charged with attempted murder
Fico was in serious but stable condition Thursday
The man who opened fire on Slovak PM Robert Fico on Wednesday (May 15) and critically injured himhas been charged with attempted murder.
The Slovak interior minister, Matus Sutaj Estok, said the attack on the PM was "politically motivated"
He added that the 71-year-old suspect was a "lone-wolf" attacker, who was not affiliated with any political party but had participated in anti-government protests.
Slovak authorities have called for calm in the Central European nation after PM Fico was shot multiple times by the would-be assassin.
The attack came as the society in Slovakia stands highly polarised amid increasingly tense political differences.
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Fico has been termed as a divisive figure by Western media, who has proudly flaunted his pro-Russia credentials and who is well-known for issuing anti-America messages. Some policymakers in Brussels also worry that he might abandon the country's pro-West course in favour of their eastern rival Russia.
Who is the suspect?
According to media reports, the assailant who opened fire at the PM has been identified as 71-year-old Juraj Cintula. According to “Tv Joj” broadcaster, he originally hails from southern Slovakia.
He co-founded a literary club in 2005 and led the operations there till 2016. He is also a published poet, having authored at least three poems under his name. He is also a member of the Slovak Writers' Association.
Watch:Slovak PM Robert Fico `not in life-threatening situation`: Dy PM gives update
His son was quoted as saying by media that his fatherowned a legally registered short-barreled weapon but didn't know about his plans. The son confirmed that his father didn't like Fico's policies and didn't vote for him in last year's elections.
(With inputs from agencies)