PM Issues Press Release After ‘Booing’ Arrest

The office of the Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic have issued a press release in reaction to the news yesterday that one man had been arrested on Tuesday for disturbing the peace, after booing Milanovic during Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving day formalities on Monday.

Milanovic walked to the podium to cries of  “don’t let him speak”, “You don’t love Croatia”, “Monkey”, and “Manure” as the crowd showed their disapproval, resulting in the police taking action. “During the speeches from high-ranking state officials they whistled and yelled and created a racket disturbing the peace. One person has been arrested and will face court action at the Knin court, whilst investigation continues to catch the other culprits,” said a police statement. Monday’s official ceremonies were filmed and police will trawl through footage and have warned more people will face charges in the following days.

Here is the reaction from the Croatian government.

“Although in this case the actions of the police are in the line of duty and in accordance with the autonomy of the police with the interpretation of the law, the Office of the Prime Minister thinks that it makes no sense to prosecute persons who during (Monday’s) marking of the anniversary of the military operation Storm in Knin, reacted to a speech by Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic by whistling and shouting. In fact, when it comes to meetings involving politicians, expressing dissatisfaction does not necessarily have to have the characteristics of disturbing the peace, especially when it does not contain violence or direct threats of violence. The simple right to criticize and express opinions is normal and customary in democratic societies,” said the release.