Police unions in Croatia and political clashes in Serbia draw attention

police union political violence SNS supporters Novi Sad protests police protection

In Croatia, the Croatian Police Union (SPH) has called for a faster investigation into an attack on a police officer that occurred during the 2024 fires in the Šibenik-Knin County. The union emphasized that officers must be better protected from verbal and physical assaults, including vehicle attacks and intimidation, to ensure they can effectively protect citizens without being influenced by powerful interests.

In Serbia, tensions rose in the Novi Sad suburb of Veternik during a gathering marking the anniversary of a previous SNS rally. Witnesses reported that supporters of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) clashed with citizens, resulting in at least two injuries. While police intervened to separate the groups, reports suggest that one citizen was detained while no SNS supporters were reportedly taken into custody. Additionally, the activist movement Bravo! has reported that members are being targeted by authorities ahead of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić’s scheduled visit to Novi Sad.

Entities

Aleksandar Vučić · Anni Dujić · Bravo! · Nediljko Dujić · Novi Sad · Sindikat policije Hrvatske · Srpska napredna stranka · Šibenik-Knin Police Administration

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] The union is concerned about potential pressure exerted on the officer who was protecting residents from direct threats. www.lika-express.hr · prigorski.hr · www.24sata.hr
[● 3 SOURCES] The Croatian Police Union (SPH) has called for a faster investigation into the circumstances of an attack on a female police officer. www.lika-express.hr · prigorski.hr · www.24sata.hr
[● 3 SOURCES] The attack on the officer occurred during the 2024 fires in the Šibenik-Knin Police Administration area. www.lika-express.hr · prigorski.hr · www.24sata.hr
[● 3 SOURCES] Current penalties for attackers are viewed as insufficient to act as a deterrent for future attacks. www.lika-express.hr · prigorski.hr · www.24sata.hr
[● 3 SOURCES] The union claims that verbal and physical attacks on police officers are often treated too lightly. www.lika-express.hr · prigorski.hr · www.24sata.hr