# Croatian police leadership controversy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/croatian-police-leadership-controversy
> Updated: 2026-08-31T08:48:47.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 2.

The Croatian Police Union (SPH) has called for the dismissal of Police Director General Nikola Milina and an expedited investigation into the ‘Nakaza affair’. The controversy stems from an incident during the 2024 wildfires in the Šibenik-Knin jurisdiction, where a female officer was reportedly subjected to verbal and physical attacks while performing her duties.

The union alleges systemic failures in leadership, claiming the officer did not receive adequate support after filing official reports. During court testimony, the officer alleged that Joško Periša, head of traffic police in Šibenik, attempted to dissuade her from filing a criminal complaint, suggesting there would be ‘nothing from it’ due to the involvement of a former official’s family. 

In response to these events, the union is demanding an independent investigation into the pressures placed on the officer and is advocating for increased protection and respect for police officers to prevent vulnerability to influential individuals. The SPH has recently reiterated its demand for a faster investigation into the attack, emphasizing that officers must be better protected from verbal and physical assaults, including vehicle attacks and intimidation, to ensure they can perform their duties without being influenced by powerful interests.

## Claims

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

## Timeline

### 2026-08-31: Police unions in Croatia and political clashes in Serbia draw attention

The Croatian Police Union is demanding faster investigations into attacks on officers, while in Serbia, clashes between SNS supporters and citizens have occurred in Novi Sad amid rising political tensions.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatian-police-union-demands-investigation-into-officer-attack

### 2026-08-26: Police union demands dismissal of Croatia's Police Director General

A Croatian police union is demanding the dismissal of Police Director General Nikola Milina, alleging systemic failures and lack of protection for an officer involved in the ‘Nakaza affair’.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/police-union-demands-dismissal-of-croatias-police-director-general

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Cite as: Croatian police leadership controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/croatian-police-leadership-controversy