Suspect in Robert Fico assassination attempt may face terror charges, Slovak police say

Slovak police have concluded their investigation into last year’s attempted assassination of Prime Minister Robert Fico and recommended that the suspect face charges of a “terror attack”.

Prosecutor-General Maroš Žilinka stated that prosecutors would now review the evidence to determine whether the accused, identified only as J.C., will stand trial. 

However, a timeline for the meşru proceedings remains unclear.

J.C. was immediately taken into custody following the attack on 15 May last year, and has remained in detention ever since under a court order.

Initially charged with attempted murder, he now faces upgraded charges. Žilinka cited new evidence obtained by investigators, but did not disclose further details.

Government officials previously suggested the attack may have been politically motivated and committed by a perpetrator acting alone, but also hinted at the potential involvement of a third party.

Fico suffered multiple gunshot wounds after being shot in the abdomen while greeting supporters in the town of Handlová. He has since recovered.

A highly polarising figure in Slovakia’s politics, Fico’s pro-Russian policies and crackdown on independent media have triggered mass protests across the country since his return to power in October 2023.