Fri. Nov 22nd, 2024
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THE man suspected of trying to assassinate Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico has been hauled into court this morning.

The pro-Putin prime minister, 59, was gunned down in a bloody attack by the alleged 71-year-old man before he was swiftly airlifted to hospital for emergency life saving surgery.

A police convoy believed to carrying suspect Juraj C into court this morning over the shooting of Slovakian PM Robert Fico5

A police convoy believed to carrying suspect Juraj C into court this morning over the shooting of Slovakian PM Robert FicoCredit: AFP
The 71-year-old man identified as Juraj Cintula was seen bloodied up after cops detained him for the alleged attack

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The 71-year-old man identified as Juraj Cintula was seen bloodied up after cops detained him for the alleged attack
Cintula was unmasked as an anti-violence crusader after he was accused of the shooting

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Cintula was unmasked as an anti-violence crusader after he was accused of the shooting
Fico is expected to make a recovery after the horror shooting after life saving surgery

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Fico is expected to make a recovery after the horror shooting after life saving surgery

The PM went through a reported three hours worth of urgent surgery after his injuries were labelled as “extraordinarily serious” when he entered hospital.

Slovakia’s deputy prime minister Tomas Taraba said on Wednesday: “Fortunately as far as I know the operation went well – and I guess in the end he will survive.

“He’s not in a life threatening situation at this moment.”

Local media identified the suspect as Juraj Cintula – a Slovakian man from the town of Lavice.  

The activist previously claimed “the world is full of hatred” in a rant for the faction.

He said: “Every normal person rejects violence. Our goal is to unite people, preserve peace and restore democracy.

“It is very difficult because no one trusts anyone anymore. The world is full of chaos and hatred.”

Cintula also previously lambasted Fico’s government for not combating gambling.

Authorities believe the attack was likely politically motivated.

The court hearing is set to decide on the pre-trial detention arrangements.

Horrifying footage captured the moment the politician was shot five times as his security team ran over to grab the OAP killer.

One bullet hit Fico in his abdomen, according to the country’s defence minister Robert Kalinak.

Two others also struck the PM out of the five attempted hits.

Chilling footage caught the haunting moment gunshots rang out around the town of Handlova as people screamed at the sight of the stricken PM.

The shooter was stood just feet away from Fico when he launched the brutal assault.

Fico’s bodyguards leapt over the barrier the gunman was hiding behind as they quickly pinned him down to the floor.

Pictures showed Juraj with blood pouring from his face as he was detained and dragged into a cop car.

The pro-Russian PM had come outside to meet with supporters as she shook hands with those being the barriers as he was attacked.

President Zuzana Caputova condemned the “brutal and ruthless” attack, calling the shooting on her political partner an “attack on democracy”.

Slovakian interior minister Matus Sutaj Estok labelled the shocking event as the “saddest moment” in Slovakia‘s 31-year history.

He echoed the president’s thoughts saying: “An attack on Slovakia is an attack on democracy, on the state itself.”

Interior minister Matus Sutaj Estok also said the preliminary information “clearly” points to a political motivation behind the shooting.

More footage showed Fico being carried and bundled into a car, flanked by his bodyguards, and driven away at speed for urgent medical help.

Initial treatment in Handlova saw the PM get life saving support before he was airlifted to Banska Bystrica.

His office claimed it would’ve taken “too long” to get to the capital of Bratislava safely.

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