Juraj Cintula, the man identified as the shooter who targeted Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, had reportedly protested against him about three weeks ago. According to Slovak media, Cintula was among the protesters who gathered in Dolná Krupá when the prime minister visited the town on April 24, the same day he signed a controversial media law into effect. The Slovak government said the legislation was “greenlighted” to help “fix the political activism that has settled in the media.” Fico met with the local government that day, but some protesters voiced their discontent, chanting “Long live Ukraine,” “Traitors,” and “Enough of Fico”—Cintula among them. On Thursday, it was reported that Cintula, 71, had been formally charged with attempted murder of the prime minister. He could face life in prison; according to the Slovak penal code, premeditated murder carries a sentence of “20 to 25 years.” However, if the attack “is directed against a protected person,” such as a head of government, the punishment increases to life imprisonment. While details of the investigation are still emerging, broadcaster Markíza reported that the gunman told police he had planned the attack for several days. The outlet also said he intended to injure Fico, not kill him. Late Wednesday, the gunman’s wife was also taken into custody—though some Slovak press reported that it was only for her own protection. ‼️🇸🇰 Slovakian Law Enforcement officers detained #Fico' attacker's wife this evening. #Slovakia pic.twitter.com/cqmZEMT6q9 — Maimunka News (@MaimunkaNews) May 15, 2024 Authorities also issued a statement Thursday warning about the tone of some of the commentary on social media. “In the comments under yesterday’s attack, some people disapprove of this act, while others spread hatred,” they wrote. See Also: Influential, skilled, and populist. Who is Robert Fico, the Slovak PM who was shot? (Portuguese version)