A man accused of attempting to assassinate Slovak Prime Minister Roberto Fico has been ordered jailed, officials said.
Slovakia’s specialized criminal court ordered the suspect’s detention after prosecutors said they feared the suspect could flee the country or commit other crimes if he were free. He may appeal the order to the Supreme Court, the Associated Press reported.
Fico survived multiple gunshots this week and is in critical but stable condition. He was shot dead after holding a cabinet meeting in the Trencin region of central Slovakia.
His condition was described as “really very complex” as he underwent a four-hour surgery and was in a “life-threatening condition”.
The video showed Fico approaching a group of people gathered at a barricade. As he extended his hand to shake hands with his supporters, a man stepped forward and extended his armed arm, firing five shots before he was arrested.
Government officials said Saturday that he appeared to be in good condition but was not yet ready to be transferred to a hospital in the capital, Bratislava, according to the Associated Press. His office also said Thursday that he is expected to recover.
Prosecutors instructed police not to publicly identify the suspect or release details of the case. Some media outlets named him and reported that he was a 71-year-old retiree.
Officials said the suspect did not belong to any political group, but said the attack was politically motivated.
Fico is a pro-Russian leader who won power for the fourth time in October last year. He had previously warned of rising tensions in the country.
It is unclear how the suspect obtained the gun, as Slovakia has strict firearms regulations.
The Associated Press contributed reporting.
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