Slovak PM Fico's attacker sentenced to 21 years in prison

Juraj Cintula - who fired five shots at close range at the prime minister - was found guilty of terrorism charges.

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Juraj Cintula, a 72-year-old pensioner, fired five shots at the prime minister in May 2024 when he was on a visit to the town of Handlova, about 180km (112 miles) north-east of the capital, Bratislava.

The gunman shot Fico at extremely close range, just as he was reaching out to shake his hand - thinking he was a supporter.

In court, Cintula denied trying to kill the prime minister, saying he had deliberately aimed away from his vital organs.

Footage from the scene of the shooting showed a man raising a gun and firing at the prime minister before being subdued by bodyguards. Other members of Fico's security team rushed him into his car.