Slovakia's prime minister Robert Fico was gravely injured in an apparent assassination attempt that shocked the nation and reverberated across Europe just weeks before an election. This incident adds to a list of notable political assassinations and attempts that have occurred during the 21st century.
In September 2022, Argentina's then-Vice President Cristina Fernández narrowly escaped an assassination attempt when a man pointed a handgun at her at point-blank range. Similarly, in July 2022, former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was tragically assassinated by a gunman while delivering a campaign speech.
Other incidents include an assassination attempt on Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi in November 2021, the stabbing death of British lawmaker David Amess in October 2021, and the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021.
Furthermore, the killing of Chad President Idriss Deby Itno in April 2021, the failed drone attack on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in August 2018, and the assassination of Russia’s ambassador to Turkey Andrei Karlov in December 2016 are also part of this grim list.
Additionally, the failed coup attempt in Turkey in July 2016, the murder of British lawmaker Jo Cox in June 2016, and the assassination of Tunisian opposition leader Chokri Belaid in February 2013 are significant events that have shaped the political landscape.
Tragically, the assassination of Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in December 2007, the killing of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in February 2005, and the assassination of Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic in March 2003 are reminders of the dangers faced by political figures.
These incidents underscore the vulnerability of political leaders to acts of violence and the need for enhanced security measures to protect them from such threats. The impact of these assassinations and attempts reverberates far beyond the immediate victims, shaping the course of nations and leaving a lasting impact on the global political landscape.
