Mrkopalj festival marred by violent assault and police intervention

A traditional religious festival in Mrkopalj, known as Prošćenje, was marked by a violent physical confrontation on the weekend of September 19–20, 2026. The incident occurred near a small amusement park where a group of individuals, reportedly under the influence of alcohol, engaged in a verbal dispute that escalated into a physical attack.

Police reports indicate that six Croatian citizens, aged between 21 and 42, attacked three men aged 39, 44, and 64. During the assault, one 44-year-old victim was reportedly thrown to the ground and beaten. The victims required medical attention and were treated at the Clinical Hospital Center (KBC) in Rijeka for bodily injuries.

Law enforcement officers from the Delnice Police Station intervened, using force to subdue the attackers who resisted commands. Following a criminal investigation, six suspects have been reported to the State Attorney's Office for violent behavior. Additionally, a 42-year-old man and a 45-year-old woman face charges for making threats against the victims.