Suspect charged with terrorism in attempt to assassinate Slovakia's president

The suspect in the attempted assassination of Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico is facing formal terrorism charges after being shot dead in the street following a government meeting.

The suspect, identified only as “JC,” was initially charged with attempted murder. Prosecutor General Maroš Žilinka announced the change in charges on Thursday, citing evidence obtained by investigators.

Government officials initially believed it was a politically motivated attack by a “lone wolf.” However, they later determined that a “third party” may have been involved, “acting on behalf of the perpetrator.”

Despite the nature of his injuries, Fico is currently recovering at home from the multiple wounds he sustained in the assassination attempt on May 15. He was shot in the abdomen while greeting supporters in the town of Handlova. The suspect, meanwhile, was immediately arrested and ordered by a court to remain behind bars.

Fico has been a controversial figure in Slovakia and beyond, returning to the premiership for a fourth time last year. His victory came after his left-wing party, Smer, triumphed in parliamentary elections in September 2023. His campaign was marked by a pro-Russia, anti-US message.

There are concerns among his critics that Slovakia could veer from its pro-Western path and follow the path of Hungary under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. In response to Fico’s policies, thousands of people have taken to the streets in the capital and across the country to express their discontent through protests.

With information from Associated Press