Vice Mihanović sues Ivica Puljak over plagiarism allegations

Vice Mihanović, director of the Split Port Authority and former HDZ official, has resumed a private defamation lawsuit against former Split Mayor Ivica Puljak. The legal action stems from Puljak’s 2021 campaign statements in which he accused Mihanović of plagiarism regarding his doctoral dissertation.

Mihanović testified at the Split Municipal Court that he filed the suit to protect his honor and reputation, emphasizing his long career and standing as a professional and family man. He characterized the issues in his dissertation as technical errors or “lapsus calami” rather than plagiarism, noting that the University of Osijek Senate did not revoke his degree.

Puljak’s defense is contesting the claims and intends to present documentation to dispute the accuracy of Mihanović’s statements. The trial follows several previous postponements requested by Mihanović’s legal team.