Rakov Potok memorial held for victims of wartime terror

A commemoration was held in the Rakov Potok memorial park to honor victims of Ustaše terror. The event was organized by Documenta – Center for Dealing with the Past and the Community of Anti-Fascist Fighters and Anti-Fascists of Zagreb County and the City of Zagreb (ZUABA).

The gathering coincided with the birthday anniversary of Krešo Rakić, a national hero and participant in the National Liberation Struggle who was killed near the Youth Cemetery in Rakov Potok in December 1941. During the program, roses were laid in memory of the victims.

Tena Banjeglav, director of Documenta, noted that the site has been neglected since the 1990s. She criticized local authorities in Stupnik, Samobor, and Sveta Nedelja for failing to respond to calls to maintain the location. Banjeglav called for systematic research, better signage, and increased investment to ensure the site becomes a recognized place of collective memory.