A 71-year-old man from Levice is accused of attempting to murder Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who was seriously injured in what has been described as a politically motivated shooting.
Despite the suspect not being officially named, local sources point to his involvement in the incident that happened on Wednesday, May 15 in broad daylight.
The shooting happened in Handlova, a town situated approximately 90 miles northeast of the capital, Bratislava, just as Fico was leaving a government meeting.
Viral footage from the scene in central Slovakia depicted security agents swiftly assisting a wounded Fico from the ground and escorting him into a black car, which promptly sped away.
Simultaneously, police officers were seen handcuffing an individual on the pavement.
The suspected attacker, described in local media as a writer and political activist, features in a circulating video expressing discontent with government policies, particularly towards state media.
He faces a potential life sentence if found guilty.
Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok, while addressing reporters on Thursday, stated that the suspect acted independently and had previously participated in anti-government protests.
Mr Fico, aged 59, is reported to be in stable condition after undergoing critical medical procedures following the attack.
The incident has triggered widespread condemnation, particularly from world leaders including US President Joe Biden, United Kingdom PM, Rishi Sunak, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, French President Emmanuel Macron, and the European Union.
The attack has raised concerns about political tensions and the safety of leaders.
Investigations into the motive continue, amidst debates over government policies and democratic principles.
