Slovenian Prosecutors Charge Activist Miroslav Pačnik Over Defacement of Tito Statue in Velenje

The Celje district prosecutor’s office in Slovenia has filed an indictment against 46‑year‑old activist Miroslav Pačnik for damaging a bronze sculpture of former Yugoslav leader Josip Broz Tito located in Velenje. Police recovered the statue’s head in Pačnik’s car trunk after a citizen reported the incident in early December. The indictment cites Article 219 of the criminal code, carrying a possible prison term of up to five years and a fine exceeding €11,000.

Velenje municipal authorities have also lodged a criminal complaint and seek compensation of more than €11,200 for the cultural heritage damage, working with the Slovenian Institute for the Protection of Cultural Heritage on restoration efforts. The case is pending further court proceedings.