'Gun Attack' Slovakian Prime Minister Under Intensive Care in ICU After Surgery

by Lee Kimin

Published 16 May.2024 20:51(KST)

Updated 16 May.2024 21:55(KST)

Roberto Picho, the Prime Minister of Slovakia, is receiving intensive care in the intensive care unit after undergoing emergency surgery following a gun attack.

According to major foreign media, a representative of the university hospital in Bansk? Bystrica, where Prime Minister Picho was operated on, told reporters on the 16th (local time) that Picho's condition has stabilized, but due to the severity of his injuries, he will be monitored in the intensive care unit.

Prime Minister Picho was shot around 2:30 p.m. the previous day in Handlov?, a suburb of the capital Bratislava, while meeting supporters after a cabinet meeting. Investigations revealed that Picho was hit by three of the five bullets fired by the assailant, striking his abdomen and chest. The assailant was arrested at the scene.

The assailant is a 71-year-old man named Juraj ?intula, known as a poet registered with the Slovak Writers' Association. It is also reported that he worked for a private security company.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot and collapsed while presiding over a government meeting in Handlova on the 15th (local time) and greeting supporters. Security guards are moving him to a vehicle.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

The Slovak National Crime Agency charged him with attempted murder based on evidence secured from searches of the crime scene, vehicle, and residence.

During investigations by the Slovak government and law enforcement, he stated that the government led by pro-Russian Prime Minister Picho suppressed the media and opposed government policies. Accordingly, authorities believe the assassination was planned with political motives.

Slovak media predict that if his charges are upheld in court, he could face a prison sentence ranging from 25 years to life imprisonment.

Some local media have raised questions about whether the bodyguards took sufficient measures, given that Prime Minister Picho was shot five times.

The suspect who shot Slovak Prime Minister Roberto Picho on the 15th (local time) is sitting on the floor after being apprehended. [Image source=Yonhap News]