FACT CHECK: No, Sky News Did Not Report Fico Assassination Attempt Was ‘Entirely Justified’

Christine Sellers | Fact Check Reporter

A post shared on Facebook claims Sky News purportedly reported a recent assassination attempt on Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico was “entirely justified.”

Verdict: False

The claim is false and stems from a May 16 article published on “The People’s Voice,” a website that is known for spreading “fake news.”

Fact Check:

A “lone wolf” suspect has been charged in the recent assassination attempt on Fico, according to CNN. The 59-year-old Slovakian leader is conscious but remains hospitalized following the shooting, the outlet reported.

The Facebook post claims Sky News purportedly reported a recent assassination attempt on Fico was “entirely justified.” “British broadcaster Sky News has declared that the assassination attempt on Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico was ‘entirely justified’ due to his beliefs in ‘dangerous conspiracy theories,'” the post reads in part.

The post further claims Fico “angered the [World Economic Forum] when he ordered an investigation into the COVID-19 response and mRNA vaccine roll out,” which resulted in the media labeling him as a “dangerous conspiracy theorist.”

The claim is false and stems from a May 16 article published on “The People’s Voice,” a website that is known for spreading “fake news.” A “Liability Disclaimer” included on the site’s “Terms of Use” page indicates it “makes no representations about the suitability, reliability, availability, timeliness, and accuracy of the information, software, products, services and related graphics contained on the site for any purpose.”

The site, which has previously been known as “NewsPunch” and “YourNewsWire,” is described as “one of the most well-known purveyors of fake news online,” according to a 2019 article from Mashable. (RELATED: No, The ICC Has Not Issued Arrest Warrants For Netanyahu And Other Leaders)

The article features a clip of a Sky News broadcast highlighting the assassination attempt on Fico. While it is mentioned in the clip that the assassination attempt on Fico is “not surprising” because of his “divisive policies,” the report does not label the assassination attempt as “entirely justified.”

Likewise, the claim neither appears on Sky News’ website nor on its verified social media accounts. In addition, Check Your Fact did not find any credible news reports to support the claim. Actually, the opposite is true. Reuters reported the claim is false on May 22.

Check Your Fact has contacted Sky News for comment and will update this piece accordingly if one is received.

Christine Sellers

Fact Check Reporter

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