The attempted assassination of Robert Fico

The assassination attempt against Robert Fico puts pressure on "hostile" media

The assassination attempt on Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico has increased the pressure on the country's independent media, writes AFP. Matus Kostolny, editor-in-chief of the daily newspaper Dennik N, describes how, just minutes after the news of the attack became known, he began to receive numerous threats and accusations that the assassination attempt was the newspaper's fault and that he had "blood on his hands".

- From day one, some politicians from the government coalition have said that the media, for example Dennik N, are responsible for the attack, he says.

The newspaper is one of several investigative media that Fico's government has labeled as "hostile". The government has also put forward a proposal to shut down the public service channel RTVS.

The rift between Fico and independent media dates back to 2018, when journalist Ján Kuciak was murdered in connection with his investigation into links between Fico's government at the time and the Italian mafia.

.........................................

Shot Prime Minister's life no longer in danger

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's life is no longer in danger following last week's assassination attempt. This was announced by Deputy Prime Minister Robert Kalinak on Sunday, reports AFP.

However, the condition is still described as serious and Fico is still being cared for in the intensive care unit. It also means that it is still too early to move Fico to a hospital in the capital Bratislava.

The suspected shooter, 71-year-old Juraj Cintula, pleaded guilty in court on Saturday.