Press Freedom Concerns Grow in Croatia After Journalist Harassed by Split Mayor

January 26, 2025 – Croatia –

Press freedom advocates in Croatia have raised serious concerns following an incident involving the harassment of journalist Damir Šarac by Split Mayor Ivica Puljak. On January 24, 2025, during a public town hall in Split, Šarac, a journalist for Slobodna Dalmacija, asked the mayor a question regarding the role of the city’s port company in recent toxic air pollution issues. Instead of addressing the journalist’s inquiry, Mayor Puljak responded aggressively, accusing Šarac of spreading political propaganda and being affiliated with the opposition HDZ party.

The mayor’s remarks escalated tensions in the room, with Puljak urging the audience to dismiss the journalist’s questions, effectively shutting down the legitimate inquiry. The Croatian Journalists’ Association (HND) quickly condemned the mayor’s behavior, calling it an unacceptable attack on journalistic freedom and a dangerous attempt to undermine the role of independent media. HND stressed that political leaders must respect journalists’ rights to ask critical questions, especially during sensitive pre-election periods when public accountability is essential.

The incident is not an isolated case but part of a concerning pattern of hostility faced by journalists in Croatia. SafeJournalists.org issued an alert on Šarac’s behalf, warning that this type of public intimidation can create a chilling effect, discouraging reporters from investigating sensitive topics or holding officials accountable. Such attacks also threaten to polarize public opinion and reduce trust in independent journalism, as journalists are often unfairly labeled as political actors rather than neutral observers.

As Croatia approaches upcoming elections, press freedom organizations are urging public officials to maintain open dialogue with the media and refrain from inflammatory rhetoric that could incite public hostility toward journalists. The right to question authorities and report on issues affecting public welfare is a cornerstone of democratic governance.

Advocates are calling for Mayor Puljak to issue a public apology and commit to ensuring that journalists can perform their duties without fear of harassment or retaliation. Protecting journalists like Damir Šarac is not only about defending individual rights but also about safeguarding the democratic principles that ensure transparency and accountability in public life.

References – 

https://hnd.hr/hnd-prosvjedujemo-protiv-neprimjerenog-ponasanja-ivice-puljka-prema-novinaru https://safejournalists.net/incident/other-threats-to-journalists-damir-sarac-split-24-1-2025/ https://www.mapmf.org/alert/32913