Rioting and Civic Uprising in Ukraine: A Political Event that Sparked Off an Era of Protests

A 71-year-old Slovak man was charged with attempted murder after shooting PM Robert Fico several times at a rally, leaving Fico hospitalized in serious condition in a politically motivated attack.

A 71-year-old man who has been charged with the murder attempt of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot on Wednesday in the town of Handlova, the victim was seriously injured by the gunfire.

Fico, who turned 59, was riddled with bullets fired at point-blank range by a lone assassin while surrounded by his faithful, who were crushed. Camera operators captured what appeared to be the prime minister's security officials hustling him into a car as he was hit in the stomach and arm. Lifted by a helicopter to a hospital where he had an operation and is now in critical condition but his life is not in danger.

An appalling case of anti-Semitism was reported in Levice, Slovakia, where a writer and a public activist were identified as an alleged perpetrator. If he is convicted he could be imprisoned for life. Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok informed that the suspect has a history of attending anti-government rallies and that he acted alone referring to the attack as "politically motivated. "

The tragedy happened in the middle of the parliament which was debating about the removal of the public television RTVS, which has led to mass protests in recent weeks. Politicians across the whole spectrum condemn the unrest as a "democracy assault".

The soon-to-leave President Caputova urged maintaining peace and met the heads of political parties to resolve escalating political tensions. Paul Peter Pellegrini, nominated president, requested the suspension of campaigning scheduled for European elections in the upcoming month.

Also Read: Slovak PM Robert Fico injured when shot during an attempt on his life

Fico is a divided character and critics often accuse him of his stand-offish position against the military aid to Ukraine and sanctions against Russia. The deputy accused the opposition of having started this wrong narrative that plunged the country into chaos leading to the genocide.