By Virginia Pietromarchi and Mersiha Gadzo
Published On 15 May 2024


Robert Fico, Slovakia’s prime minister, has been taken to hospital a “life-threatening condition” after being shot multiple times, according to his official social media account.
Local media say the 59-year-old leader was hit in the abdomen outside the House of Culture in the town of Handlova.
Police have detained a suspect. There was no immediate information on the motive.
Zuzana Caputova, president of Slovakia, has condemned the “brutal and ruthless” attack on Fico.


4m ago (16:45 GMT)
Putin slams attack as ‘monstrous’ crime
Russian President Vladimir Putin has called the shooting of Fico a “monstrous” crime.

“There can be no justification for this monstrous crime. I know Robert Fico as a courageous and strong-minded man. I very much hope that these qualities will help him to survive this difficult situation,” Putin said.

Putin also wished Fico “a speedy and full recovery”.


15m ago (16:35 GMT)

President Biden condemns attack, says US ready to assist
US President Joe Biden has joined the chorus of world leaders condemning the “horrific act of violence” against Fico.

“Jill and I are praying for a swift recovery, and our thoughts are with his family and the people of Slovakia,” the president said, referring to his wife.

He added that the US embassy was ready to assist the government of Slovakia.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/liveblog/2024/5/15/robert-fico-shooting-live-news-slovakia-pm-wounded-taken-to-hospital