What do we know about Robert Fico's alleged shooter?
Slovakian media has identified the shooter as 71-year-old Juraj Cintula, a self-described writer who previously worked as a security guard and is allegedly linked to ultra-right pro-Russian group Slovački branci.
According to the daily newspaper Dennik N, the suspected perpetrator is a self-described writer from the small western town of Levice and a founding member of the Rainbow Literary Club. He worked as security guard and reportedly has a gun licence.
Hungarian investigative journalist Szabolcs Panyi has unearthed Facebook posts reportedly showing Cintula as a sympathiser and supporter of the pro-Russian paramilitary group Slovenskí Branci, known for its links to the Kremlin.
Slovenskí Branci has been accused of attempting to recruit young men across Slovakia for its paramilitary organisation. In a post from January 2016, Cintula is seen holding a speech next to members of the group wearing camouflage.
In the accompanying text attributed to Cintula, he expressed extremist views in support of self-organised militias, who, according to him, should be allowed to protect "the inhabitants, the country, tradition, (and) culture" from migrants coming from outside of Europe.
In an undated video posted on Facebook, the alleged attacker was seen saying: "I do not agree with government policy."
"Liquidated mass media. Why is RTVS (public broadcaster) being attacked? Why are people... Mazak, why has he been kicked out of his post," he continued, in reference to Jan Mazak who had been removed as chairman of a state judicial council.
Reuters verified the person in the video matched images of the man arrested after Fico's shooting.
Allies of Fico hastened to blame "liberal media" for the attack, accusing journalists of "creating an environment that promoted hatred" for Fico and his populist policies.
"You, liberal media and political opposition. What hatred you spread against Robert Fico."
Source
Interesting twist. A pro-Kremlin ultra-right extremist shooting a pro-Kremlin PM 'making a sacrifice' in order to help fan the flames just before European elections?
🇪🇺@EU_Report 🇸🇰
