The condition of Slovak Prime Minister Fico after the assassination attempt remains serious – but has stabilized after a second operation. Politicians have reported an increase in threats since the crime.
The condition of Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, who was critically injured in an assassination attempt, has stabilized. A second operation on Friday gave cause for optimism, said Health Minister Zuzana Dolinkova. However, Defense Minister Robert Kalinak said it would not be possible to transfer the patient to the capital Bratislava in the coming days.
On Friday, Kalinak, who is also deputy prime minister, described the prime minister’s condition as “very serious.” However, there is no need to formally take over Fico’s official duties, as communication with the head of government is possible. The medical staff around Fico have made “some miracles” happen in the past few days.
Suspected perpetrator is brought before judges
The 59-year-old Fico was critically injured by multiple gunshots in the small town of Handlova on Wednesday and was then operated on for several hours. The suspected assassin, a 71-year-old amateur writer, was overpowered by security forces at the scene and arrested.
The arrest of the suspect
According to Slovak media reports, the suspect was brought before a court in Pezinok near Bratislava. The public prosecutor’s office applied to the Slovakian Special Criminal Court for an order to detain the accused. According to Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok, he is a “loner” who does not belong to any political group. However, the attack was politically motivated.
Threats against politicians increase after assassination attempt
Since the attack, there have been increasing threats against other politicians in Slovakia. The Interior Minister told the daily Pravda. He said he had also received death threats. A member of parliament from the largest government party led by Fico was also threatened. In both cases a suspect was identified.
Death threats against the liberal opposition leader Michal Simecka and his family had previously become known. Aside from specific death threats, the number of aggressive statements on social media has also increased sharply, Slovak media reported, citing experts.