Slovakia PM attacker may not have acted alone – Estok
Slovakia’s Interior Minister, Matus Sutaj Estok, has revealed that the man suspected of attempting to assassinate Prime Minister Robert Fico may not have acted alone.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Estok announced that an investigation team is exploring the possibility that Wednesday’s attack was carried out with the support or involvement of others. He said this was based on information from the intelligence services, including that two hours after the attack, and after the suspect had been detained, his Facebook and communication history was deleted.
Prime Minister Fico, 59, underwent hours of surgery and remains in intensive care, though his life is no longer in danger, according to Deputy Prime Minister Robert Kalinak.
The alleged assailant, widely identified in Slovak media as 71-year-old Juraj Cintula from Levice is described as a poet with ties to various political groups. He was placed in custody on Saturday and will remain there until his trial.
During a press conference on Sunday, Estok emphasised the need to investigate whether Cintula had support from a group that may have incited or assisted in the attack.
Juraj Chintula – ‘ I did it because I do not agree’
Writer Juraj Chintula, who shot Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, said that “I did it because I do not agree with the policy of the government of my country.”
