Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico remains in a stable but serious condition as the man accused of attempting to assassinate him appeared in court for the first time.

Health Minister Zuzana Dolinkova said further surgery on Friday “contributed to a positive prognosis” for the 59-year-old who was shot five times at point blank range while greeting supporters in the former mining town of Handlova on Wednesday.

However, his condition still made it impossible to transport him to the capital, Bratislava.

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The suspected gunman was tackled to the ground and arrested at the scene.

He has previously been named as 71-year-old Juraj Cintula and has been described as a writer and poet.

The court in Pezinok, a small town outside the capital, Bratislava, was guarded by officers wearing balaclavas and carrying rifles for his court appearance.

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News media were not allowed in for the hearing and reporters were kept behind a gate outside.

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