Slovak court puts PM shooting suspect in pre-trial detention

NEW DELHI: The suspect accused of attempting to assassinate Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was ordered to remain in custody on Saturday. Officials reported that Fico is in serious but stable condition after surviving multiple gunshot wounds.
The Specialized Criminal Court of Slovakia decided to detain the suspect due to concerns he might escape or commit further crimes, according to a court spokesperson.
Prosecutors have instructed police not to publicly identify the man or provide additional details. However, unconfirmed media reports suggest he is a 71-year-old retiree, known as an amateur poet, who may have previously worked as a mall security guard in the southwest of the country.
Authorities confirmed details matching this description and stated the suspect was not affiliated with any political groups, although the attack was politically motivated.
The courthouse in Pezinok, a town near the capital Bratislava, was heavily guarded by police with helmets, balaclavas, and rifles. Reporters were kept outside behind a gate, with media access restricted.
Fico underwent a two-hour surgery on Friday to remove dead tissue from his wounds. Despite an optimistic outlook for his recovery, he is not well enough to travel to Bratislava, according to government ministers speaking outside the University FD Roosevelt Hospital in Banská Bystrica. Fico was airlifted there after the shooting.
“Several miracles have occurred in the past few days, thanks to the doctors, nurses, and medical staff. We are steadily approaching a positive prognosis,” said defense minister Robert Kalinak .
Fico, 59, was shot in the abdomen while greeting supporters after a government meeting in Handlova on Wednesday. The suspect fired five rounds before being tackled and arrested.
On Friday, police searched the suspect’s home in Levice, seizing a computer and documents, as reported by Markiza, a Slovak TV station. Police did not comment on how the suspect obtained a firearm, given Slovakia's stringent gun laws and low gun ownership rates.
World leaders have condemned the attack and expressed support for Fico and Slovakia.
Fico, a divisive figure, returned to power last year on a pro-Russia, anti-American platform, causing concern among EU and NATO members about Slovakia's direction, especially regarding Ukraine. While Slovakia initially supported Ukraine during Russia’s invasion, Fico halted arms deliveries upon his return to power.
Fico’s government has faced criticism for its efforts to overhaul public broadcasting and amend the penal code to eliminate a special anti-graft prosecutor. These moves have sparked fears of a shift towards autocracy, leading to protests across Slovakia.
Last month, Fico warned of rising tensions potentially leading to violence against politicians, blaming the media for exacerbating the situation.
Despite his condition, Fico’s government continues to operate and advance his agenda. Communication with Fico is limited, but Kalinak is managing affairs in his absence. The next government session is scheduled for Wednesday, with Kalinak in charge, according to the Slovak government office.