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Hamilton Spectator
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Suspect in shooting of Slovakia's populist leader Fico stands trial on terror charges
BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP) — A man went on trial Tuesday over last year's attempted assassination of Slovakia's populist Prime Minister Robert Fico. Juraj Cintula, appearing in court in the central city of Banská Bystrica, has been indicted on terror charges. 'Long live democracy, long live free culture,' Cintula shouted as he arrived at the Specialized Criminal Court. The 72-year-old is accused of opening fire on Fico on May 15, 2024, as the prime minister greeted supporters following a government meeting in the town of Handlová, located 140 kilometers (85 miles) northeast of the capital. Cintula was immediately arrested and was ordered by a court to remain behind bars . If convicted, he faces life imprisonment. Fico was shot in the abdomen and was transported to a hospital in nearby Banská Bystrica. He underwent a five-hour surgery, followed by another two-hour surgery two days later. He has since recovered. Cintula originally was charged with attempted murder. Prosecutors later dropped that charge and said they were instead pursuing the more serious charge of engaging in a terror attack, based on evidence the investigators obtained, but they gave no further details. Government officials initially said that they believed it was a politically motivated attack committed by a 'lone wolf,' but announced later that a third party might have been involved in 'acting for the benefit of the perpetrator.' Fico previously said he 'had no reason to believe' that it was an attack by a lone deranged person and repeatedly blamed the liberal opposition and media for the assassination attempt. Fico has long been a divisive figure in Slovakia and beyond. He returned to power for the fourth time after his leftist Smer, or Direction, party won the 2023 parliamentary election after campaigning on a pro-Russia and anti-American message . His critics have charged that Slovakia under Fico has abandoned its pro-Western course and is following the direction of Hungary under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán . Thousands have repeatedly rallied in the capital and across Slovakia to protest Fico's pro-Russian stance and other policies. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Winnipeg Free Press
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Suspect in shooting of Slovakia's populist leader Fico stands trial on terror charges
BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP) — A man went on trial Tuesday over last year's attempted assassination of Slovakia's populist Prime Minister Robert Fico. Juraj Cintula, appearing in court in the central city of Banská Bystrica, has been indicted on terror charges. 'Long live democracy, long live free culture,' Cintula shouted as he arrived at the Specialized Criminal Court. The 72-year-old is accused of opening fire on Fico on May 15, 2024, as the prime minister greeted supporters following a government meeting in the town of Handlová, located 140 kilometers (85 miles) northeast of the capital. Cintula was immediately arrested and was ordered by a court to remain behind bars. If convicted, he faces life imprisonment. Fico was shot in the abdomen and was transported to a hospital in nearby Banská Bystrica. He underwent a five-hour surgery, followed by another two-hour surgery two days later. He has since recovered. Cintula originally was charged with attempted murder. Prosecutors later dropped that charge and said they were instead pursuing the more serious charge of engaging in a terror attack, based on evidence the investigators obtained, but they gave no further details. Government officials initially said that they believed it was a politically motivated attack committed by a 'lone wolf,' but announced later that a third party might have been involved in 'acting for the benefit of the perpetrator.' Fico previously said he 'had no reason to believe' that it was an attack by a lone deranged person and repeatedly blamed the liberal opposition and media for the assassination attempt. Fico has long been a divisive figure in Slovakia and beyond. He returned to power for the fourth time after his leftist Smer, or Direction, party won the 2023 parliamentary election after campaigning on a pro-Russia and anti-American message. His critics have charged that Slovakia under Fico has abandoned its pro-Western course and is following the direction of Hungary under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Thousands have repeatedly rallied in the capital and across Slovakia to protest Fico's pro-Russian stance and other policies.
San Francisco Chronicle
08-07-2025
- Politics
- San Francisco Chronicle
Suspect in shooting of Slovakia's populist leader Fico stands trial on terror charges
BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP) — A man went on trial Tuesday over last year's attempted assassination of Slovakia's populist Prime Minister Robert Fico. Juraj Cintula, appearing in court in the central city of Banská Bystrica, has been indicted on terror charges. 'Long live democracy, long live free culture,' Cintula shouted as he arrived at the Specialized Criminal Court. The 72-year-old is accused of opening fire on Fico on May 15, 2024, as the prime minister greeted supporters following a government meeting in the town of Handlová, located 140 kilometers (85 miles) northeast of the capital. Cintula was immediately arrested and was ordered by a court to remain behind bars. If convicted, he faces life imprisonment. Fico was shot in the abdomen and was transported to a hospital in nearby Banská Bystrica. He underwent a five-hour surgery, followed by another two-hour surgery two days later. He has since recovered. Cintula originally was charged with attempted murder. Prosecutors later dropped that charge and said they were instead pursuing the more serious charge of engaging in a terror attack, based on evidence the investigators obtained, but they gave no further details. Government officials initially said that they believed it was a politically motivated attack committed by a 'lone wolf,' but announced later that a third party might have been involved in 'acting for the benefit of the perpetrator.' Fico previously said he 'had no reason to believe' that it was an attack by a lone deranged person and repeatedly blamed the liberal opposition and media for the assassination attempt. Fico has long been a divisive figure in Slovakia and beyond. He returned to power for the fourth time after his leftist Smer, or Direction, party won the 2023 parliamentary election after campaigning on a pro-Russia and anti-American message. His critics have charged that Slovakia under Fico has abandoned its pro-Western course and is following the direction of Hungary under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
Saba Yemen
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Saba Yemen
Specialized Criminal Court Summons New Individual in Case of Alleged Serial Killer Al-Sarfi
Sana'a – SABA: The Specialized Criminal Court in the capital Sana'a decided today to summon a new individual in the case of the accused Ali Abdulaziz Abdullah Al-Sarfi, who is facing charges of committing a series of brutal, methodically executed murders. During the session, presided over by Judge Yahya Al-Mansour and attended by Prosecutor Khaled Omar, the defendant requested the summoning of a person identified as Sheikh (M.S.), whom he claimed was his accomplice and the mastermind behind the crimes. Al-Sarfi further alleged that he was under the influence of hallucinogenic pills provided by the said individual, which impaired his will. The families of the victims also demanded the summoning of (M.S.), noting that the prosecution had previously decided not to pursue charges against him. However, they argued that since Al-Sarfi is now shifting responsibility, the individual in question, along with others allegedly involved—including Al-Sarfi's brother—must be investigated for their roles in aiding and abetting the crimes. The families further requested the court to delay proceedings until a ruling is issued by the Specialized Appeals Division concerning their appeal against the prior decision not to prosecute (M.S.) and others. The prosecution presented a detailed memo outlining the timeline and nature of the crimes, accusing the 25-year-old defendant of carrying out a series of gruesome killings between October 7 and October 18, 2024, in addition to a separate incident on September 22, 2024, in which he allegedly lured and murdered three individuals, stole their money and weapons, and attempted to kill a fourth person for the same purpose. The memo described the case as a threat to public safety and social peace, emphasizing the exceptional seriousness of the crimes and the necessity for severe punishment in line with the horror of the offenses committed. It included conclusive evidence and clear proof of the defendant's involvement, characterizing the crimes as examples of organized, premeditated criminality, revealing a dangerous and remorseless criminal mindset. The prosecution emphasized that the repetition of the crimes using the same method indicates a high level of threat to society, warranting the maximum penalty under Islamic and civil law. The case is seen as a critical test of the justice system's ability to deliver both specific and general deterrence, and to safeguard society from individuals who have no regard for human life. The memo underscored that the killings violated one of the most fundamental human rights – the right to life, guaranteed by both Islamic Sharia and national law, and pointed to the deep public outrage and psychological trauma caused by the crimes. The court has now officially approved the summoning of the new individual, as well as witnesses involved in the initial investigation records, and granted the victims' families additional time to present their civil claims and supporting evidence. The next session is scheduled to resume after the Eid al-Adha judicial recess to continue the trial proceedings. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print more of (Local)
