Other threats to journalists, Damir Šarac, Split, 24.1.2025.

CJA •︎ 26/01/2025

Other threats to journalists, Damir Šarac, Split, 24.1.2025.

Translations: Zagreb 

  • Case info

  • Personal info

  • Regional center
    Zagreb
  • Who was attacked?
    Journalist
  • Gender
    Male
  • Victim(s) name
    Damir Šarac

  • Media outlet

  • Name of the media outlet
    Slobodna Dalmacija
  • Type of media platform
    Printed Media
    Online Media
  • Source of information about the incident
    media, CJA

  • Incident Data

  • Date of incident
    24.01.2025
  • City
    Split
  • Perpetrator(s)
    Known (suspected)
  • Attacked by
    By public official(s) and/or representative(s) of the executive power
  • Means of incidents and attacks
    In person
  • Type of incident
    Other threats to journalists
  • Type of threat
    Aggressive, harassing or discriminatory statements

  • Action by the authorities

  • Action taken by the journalists' association

  • Was journalist's association informed by the journalists directly?
    Yes
  • What was the reaction of the journalists' association?
    The association reacted publicly

The Split mayor, Ivica Puljak verbally attacked journalist of Slobodna Dalmacija Damir Šarac during a public forum on January 24. Puljak accused Šarac of “stirring up trouble,” blaming the city government for air pollution caused by heavy metals, and labeled his media outlet as being “funded by the HDZ” (Croatian Democratic Union – ruling party). The mayor’s aggressive response incited the crowd, leading attendees to misidentify Šarac as a provocateur and preventing him from continuing his questioning. This incident is part of a broader pattern where Puljak has publicly accused journalists of bias or political influence when their reporting criticizes his administration. Such actions, especially during the pre-election period, undermine journalistic independence, stigmatize reporters, and obstruct their work, limiting the public’s access to impartial and relevant information. The Croatian Journalists’ Association and its Split-Dalmatia County branch have condemned the highly inappropriate actions of Split Mayor.