A man accused of trying to assassinate the Slovakian Prime Minister has been charged with attempted murder.
Speaking during a news conference the Slovak interior minister said the attempt on Robert Fico's life was "politically motivated". He said that a "lone wolf" has been charged in the shooting that seriously wounded their leader.
The shooting occurred in the town of Handlova, 85 miles northeast of the capital, while Mr Fico was greeting supporters at an event on Wednesday. Deputy Prime Minister Tomas Taraba previously reported that the prime minister was "heavily injured" with a bullet entering his stomach and another one hitting the joint.
Mr Taraba said: "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." A hospital official in Banska Bystrica stated that Mr Fico remains in serious condition, but stable.
(AFP via Getty Images)Mr Fico is expected to survive the attempt on his life and that the politician is is no longer in a life threatening situation. He has long been a divisive figure in Slovakia and beyond, and his return to power last year on a pro-Russian, anti-American message led to even greater worries among fellow European Union members that he would abandon his country's pro-Western course.
Moment Slovakia's prime minister hustled into car after 'assassination' horror
Robert Fico is seen being transported from a helicopter by medics (AFP via Getty Images)The attempt on Mr Fico's life came at a time of high division in Slovakia, as thousands of demonstrators have repeatedly rallied in the capital and around the country to protest his policies. It also comes just ahead of June elections for the European Parliament.
Slovakia's outgoing and next presidents - political rivals - appeared together in an appeal for Slovaks to overcome their increasingly tense political differences for the good of the country.
Security personnel apprehending a suspected gunman (RTVS/AFP via Getty Images)Images captured the moment the suspected attacker was detained by police yesterday evening. According to local Slovak TV station JOJ24, the man - thought to be 71 years old - has been named as Juraj Cintula.
He was taken into custody while Fico was quickly airlifted to a hospital.
Cintula is said to have founded an "anti-violence" movement in 2015 and claimed "every normal person rejects violence. Our goal is to unite people, preserve peace and restore democracy.
Juraj Cintula is believed to be the gunman"'It is very difficult because no one trusts anyone anymore. The world is full of chaos and hatred." According to the group's Facebook page, The Movement Against Violence, it describes itself as an "emerging political party whose goal is to prevent the spread of violence in society. To prevent war in Europe and the spread of hatred."
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