Slovakian PM Fico warns new assassination attempt possible

Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, who was critically injured in a shooting earlier this year, has warned that another assassination attempt could be possible.

The populist Fico accused his opponents of inciting hatred and violence against the government in comments to public broadcaster STVR on Saturday.

"I am 100% convinced that there will be another assassination attempt against a government representative if the opposition and certain media do not stop what they are doing," Fico said.

Fico was shot on May 15 as he met supporters after a cabinet meeting in the small town of Handlova. The man, a pensioner, was arrested and said he acted out of hatred of Fico and his policies, in rhetoric recalling that of opposition media.

Since the assassination attempt, police protection measures have increased, making a new attack more complicated, Fico said. "But it can happen that someone might target a gathering of voters of the government parties for example. I fear this," he said.

Fico is the leader of Smer, the largest ruling party.

The prime minister and other governing politicians have repeatedly accused the liberal opposition and media of being to blame for the May attack.

They claim that opposition misinformation and demonization of the ruling parties as "mafia" and "criminals" have created an aggressive climate.

However, the opposition accuses the government of exploiting the attack to silence criticism of its policies.