According to Markiza TV channel. Cintula, a 72-year-old retired writer, is charged with terrorism and faces life imprisonment.

His lawyer claims that Cintula cannot be convicted under this article, as his actions, the defense insists, cannot be considered a terrorist attack.

Meanwhile, Cintula admitted to shooting Fico, and during the investigation, he stated that he did so to protect democracy in Slovakia, while rejecting the policies of the current government.

The accused added that he did not want to kill Fico, but to prevent him from exercising his functions as prime minister.

According to the TV channel, Cintula shouted “Long live free culture!” before entering the courtroom on Tuesday and claimed that he tried to kill the prime minister because he was repressing culture.

Meanwhile, TASR news agency reported that Fico does not plan to participate in the trial.

The prime minister is represented in court by his legal advisor, attorney David Lindtner.

abo/jav/mem/amp