Shooting of Slovakian prime minister falsely linked to WHO pandemic treaty

A conspiracy theory circulating in English and Spanish claims without evidence that a recent assassination attempt on Slovakia’s prime minister is related to his opposition to COVID-19 vaccines and the WHO pandemic treaty. A U.S. congressperson and other high-profile figures shared a viral post that falsely claims that the prime minister made a speech questioning COVID-19 vaccine safety and rejecting the WHO pandemic treaty a week before his assassination attempt.

Recommendation: These types of conspiracy theories attempt to undermine the public’s trust in guidance from government and public health officials. Engaging directly with this conspiracy theory may detract from key talking points. However, ensuring that COVID-19-related materials use prebunking messaging to explain that the WHO pandemic accord is a voluntary agreement between nations to better prevent, prepare for, and respond to future pandemics and global health emergencies is recommended.