Actual attacks on journalists, Melita Vrsaljko, Nadin, 15.7.2024.

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Actual attacks on journalists, Melita Vrsaljko, Nadin, 15.7.2024.

Translations: Zagreb 

  • Case info

  • Personal info

  • Regional center
    Zagreb
  • Who was attacked?
    Journalist
  • Gender
    Woman
  • Victim(s) name
    Melita Vrsaljko

  • Media outlet

  • Name of the media outlet
    Faktograf and Climate portal
  • Type of media platform
    Online Media
  • Source of information about the incident
    Journalists Facebook account

  • Incident Data

  • Date of incident
    15.08.2024
  • City
    Nadin
  • Were authorities informed?
    Case was reported to the police
    Case was reported to the Prosecutor’s Office
  • Perpetrator(s)
    Known (suspected)
  • Attacked by
    (ordinary) citizens
  • Means of incidents and attacks
    In person
  • Type of incident
    Actual attacks on journalists
  • Type of attack
    Physical attack without physical injury

  • Action by the authorities

  • Police action
    Despite witnesses and video recordings, the police characterized the attacks as offenses against public order and peace, in which Melita Vrsaljko allegedly participated.
  • Public prosecutor's action
    The State Prosecutor's Office is conducting an investigation.
  • Court action
    The case is at the Municipal Court in Zadar. 7.11.2025. - In the municipal court in Zadar, Melita Vrsaljko was found guilty of violating public order and peace. The attacker was also found guilty.
  • Legal status of the case
    Indictment filed by the prosecutor
  • Type of violation
    Light physical injury

  • Action taken by the journalists' association

  • Was journalist's association informed by the journalists directly?
    Yes

According to a statement by Melita Vrsaljko published on her Facebook profile, this attack occurred when she was passing by private land with a cameraman, where waste was beginning to accumulate. To prevent potential filming, the landowner suddenly ran up to the journalist and cameraman, threatened violence and equipment destruction, and physically attacked the journalist. Vrsaljko was forced to defend herself with her foot to break free. The incident was reported to the police, but in the end, Vrsaljko also faced a charge and was issued a precautionary measure prohibiting her from approaching the attacker within 50 meters.