Kežmarok Residents Dismiss Mayor's Claims of Political Attack as Bar Brawl

Residents of Kežmarok are dismissing their mayor's claims that a recent assault against him was politically motivated, instead viewing it as a simple bar fight. Ján Ferenčák, who serves as both mayor of the eastern Slovak town and a member of parliament, was attacked at a sports event with a combat theme. On Sunday, Ferenčák alleged the incident was revenge orchestrated by Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok, who leads the Voice party, one of Slovakia's ruling coalition partners. Local residents interviewed said they believe Ferenčák brought the trouble on himself and reject his explanation of political retaliation. Ferenčák maintained his claims even after a three-hour police interrogation on Tuesday afternoon, but his constituents appear unconvinced by his version of events.