ZAGREB, 25 March (2022) - Interior Minister Davor Božinović commented on a double murder committed in the southern coastal town of Ploče on Friday and the arrest of the perpetrator, saying that the police had reacted promptly, and that despite this tragedy, the number of murders in Croatia was decreasing.
"The county prosecutor's office is conducting a criminal investigation in cooperation with the police, who responded promptly and efficiently, identifying and arresting the person connected to the murders within half an hour. I would like to point out that despite this tragedy the number of murders in Croatia is decreasing each year," Božinović said.
Božinović underscored that Croatia is a safe country and that it is difficult to prevent incidents like the one in Ploče. He added that there has been one less murder this year than on the same day last year.
Božinović also commented on the Zadar County Court acquittal of two men who had insulted Prime Minister Andrej Plenković on social networks.
Asked if the police would appeal, Božinović said he hadn't seen the ruling and thought the police had not seen it yet either.
"The Croatian police don't receive orders from anyone. When the police receive the court dispatch, I expect it to be studied again, particularly in the context of the charges," he said. Asked again whether the police would appeal, he said that the police should be left to do their job.
Situation surrounding Minister Tramišak is unusual
Božinović also commented on the threats against Minister of Regional Development and EU Funds Nataša Tramišak. "MinisterTramišak spoke to the police and they have opened an investigation after learning the information, primarily from the media," he said.
Asked about the minister's future in the government, Božinović said that this situation was unusual and that talks would be conducted in that regard after the prime minister returns from Brussels.
Given that the prime minister said earlier "that nothing is clear to him," regarding the case surrounding Minister Tramišak, reporters asked Božinović if the case was clear to him.
"I spoke with her as a colleague in the government and competent minister after I saw what was published in the media . It was very important to see the situation that Minister Tramišak pointed out and I did the only thing I could and that was correct, and that was to help her contact the police. That contact was made, and when more information is available the police will inform the public," said Božinović.
Asked whether Tramišak should have contacted the prime minister earlier, Božinović said that threats are reported so the police can act promptly. "The police cannot act on something they don't know about," he said.
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