The attack on Prime Minister Robert Fico could be treated as terrorism, Slovakian prosecutor general Maroš Žilinka said on Wednesday.
Prime Minister Fico was shot by 71-year-old Juraj C. in the central town of Handlová following a government meeting. The investigation, originally opened as an attempted murder case, is ongoing amid heightened security concerns.
During an unprecedented appearance at the Security Council of the Slovak Republic meeting, Žilinka said that the potential reclassification was based on gathered evidence, allowing military special services to assist in the investigation.
The difference in legal classification hinges on whether the target was Fico personally or his office, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák.
Slovakian media reported that a terrorism conviction could result in a life sentence, while premeditated murder carries a penalty of 25 years to life.
Hate speech under scrutiny
Kaliňák also mentioned the government is considering harsher penalties for hate speech.
Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok noted 50 ongoing cases of verbal attacks and glorification of the assassination attempt, with the number expected to double as new reports come in.
Calming tensions
Slovakian President Zuzana Čaputová and President-elect Peter Pellegrini, who will take office on June 15, met with religious leaders to discuss calming national tensions.
Čaputová emphasized the crucial role of religious communities in uniting society. Meanwhile, Pellegrini noted that church representatives, despite their differences, have the unique ability to bring people together during times of crisis.
Fico, seriously injured in the abdomen and chest, underwent two surgeries in Banská Bystrica and remains in stable condition. However, Deputy PM Kaliňák said that transporting him to Bratislava is still not feasible.
During an unprecedented appearance at the Security Council of the Slovak Republic meeting, Žilinka said that the potential reclassification was based on gathered evidence, allowing military special services to assist in the investigation.
The difference in legal classification hinges on whether the target was Fico personally or his office, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák.
Slovakian media reported that a terrorism conviction could result in a life sentence, while premeditated murder carries a penalty of 25 years to life.
Hate speech under scrutiny
Kaliňák also mentioned the government is considering harsher penalties for hate speech.
Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok noted 50 ongoing cases of verbal attacks and glorification of the assassination attempt, with the number expected to double as new reports come in.
Calming tensions
Slovakian President Zuzana Čaputová and President-elect Peter Pellegrini, who will take office on June 15, met with religious leaders to discuss calming national tensions.
Čaputová emphasized the crucial role of religious communities in uniting society. Meanwhile, Pellegrini noted that church representatives, despite their differences, have the unique ability to bring people together during times of crisis.
Fico, seriously injured in the abdomen and chest, underwent two surgeries in Banská Bystrica and remains in stable condition. However, Deputy PM Kaliňák said that transporting him to Bratislava is still not feasible.
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