In a landmark ruling, a Slovak court has sentenced a man to 21 years in prison over a terror attack involving last year's attempted assassination of the country's populist Prime Minister, Robert Fico.

Juraj Cintula, 72, was convicted of opening fire on Prime Minister Fico on May 15, 2024, following a government meeting in the town of Handlova. The verdict was delivered by the Specialized Criminal Court located in Banska Bystrica.

Despite Cintula's denial of being a 'terrorist,' the court found him guilty of the attack that left Fico wounded. The Prime Minister underwent extensive medical treatment but has since recovered. Both Cintula and the prosecutors retain the right to appeal.

(With inputs from agencies.)

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