Croatia suspends five officers after Slatina femicide

Five police officers and managers in Croatia have been suspended from duty following an investigation into the fatal killing of a 35-year-old woman in Slatina. An extraordinary oversight by the Ministry of the Interior revealed significant failures in police procedure immediately preceding the crime.

On September 8, the victim contacted the police for assistance at approximately 9:10 PM. Although a patrol arrived within ten minutes, they left the scene after a brief conversation. Approximately one hour later, the woman was killed with a sharp object. Police subsequently arrested her 40-year-old husband, who was later found to have been reported by the victim in July for threats, domestic violence, and violations of child rights.

Interior Minister Davor Božinović confirmed that disciplinary proceedings are being initiated against the five individuals for suspected serious breaches of official duty. The suspects will remain suspended from daily duties until the conclusion of the proceedings. The case has taken a further tragic turn, as the accused man committed suicide in a Zagreb prison on September 12.