The Croatian Journalists’ Association (CJA) is appalled by the brutal physical assault on journalist Dario Topić, editor-in-chief of the portal Komarilos.com and CJA member, by Damir Taslidžić, co-owner and procurator of the company Elektromodul. The attack occurred two days ago in Osijek. Komarilos.com, which primarily focuses on local topics in Osijek, reported on the City of Osijek’s decision to deny Elektromodul an extension of its parking fee concession, which expires on December 31, after 26 years of operation.
Damir Taslidžić, whose company Elektromodul remains the current concessionaire, lured colleague Topić to his office under the pretense of providing information about alleged misconduct in the awarding of concessions. However, upon Topić’s arrival, Taslidžić physically attacked and beat him, demonstrating clear premeditation.
Dario Topić, who has CJA’s full support, reported the case to the police, the State Attorney’s Office, and the CJA. He also sought medical attention at a hospital and returned to the police yesterday accompanied by CJA Vice President Drago Hedl.
The CJA has formally addressed the Ministry of the Interior and the Osijek-Baranja Police Department, requesting the apprehension of the attacker. It also demands that the State Attorney’s Office file charges for assault and bodily harm.
Under the amendments to the Criminal Code introduced in 2020, attacks on journalists are treated as assaults on persons performing duties of public interest, carrying a penalty of up to three years in prison.
The CJA calls on institutions to act in accordance with the law and the Protocol on Police Procedure in Cases of Criminal Offenses Against Journalists and Other Media Workers Performing Their Professional Duties. This is essential to put an end to the open atmosphere of hostility in which journalists work, especially given the frequent stigmatization they face from the highest levels of government. Such an environment emboldens aggressors who believe they can attack journalists with impunity.
According to CJA’s information, after the attack on Topić, Damir Taslidžić fled to Bosnia and Herzegovina, demonstrating cowardice by setting an ambush for our colleague and then leaving the country.
The CJA will inform all relevant international institutions about the attack on journalist Dario Topić.
For the CJA Executive Board
Hrvoje Zovko, President of the Croatian Journalists’ Association
Chiara Bilić, Vice President of the Croatian Journalists’ Association
Dragutin Hedl, Vice President of the Croatian Journalists’ Association