Torn Down Cyrillic Signs Return in Vukovar

Brand new dual-alphabet Latin and Serbian Cyrillic signs have been put up on official buildings in the eastern Croatian town of Vukovar for the third time on Sunday under heavy security, after previous signs were torn down.

A heavy police presence of more than 20 officers in protection gear were on hand when the new signs were erected on Sunday morning. Also a dual-alphabet sign was put up for the first time on Sunday on the Croatian Health Institute in Vukovar.

“We can tear down more than they can put up,” one protestor said after the government announced during the week that they will continue to replace any signs which were ripped down.

Six officers were suspended from duty on Tuesday for suspicion of being involved in the ripping down the controversial signs. 7 of the 8 signs were ripped off government buildings, leaving only one sign, on the city police station, in tact. Croatian Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic earlier urged the citizens in Vukovar that it is time to move on from the past.

“Croatia must show generosity in victory, and in peace – good faith and will – and respect laws,” said Milanovic during an interview on Wednesday.

“I can accept that a number of people are not happy with that (Cyrillic signs). If we want to be a civilised state that protects ethnic minorities and abides by the law, then we must do it (put up dual-alphabet signs) and we will do it,” Milanovic said.