Threats against the lives and physical safety of journalists, Jurica Gašpar, online, 01.09.2024.

CJA •︎ 03/09/2024

Threats against the lives and physical safety of journalists, Jurica Gašpar, online, 01.09.2024.

Translations: Zagreb 

  • Case info

  • Personal info

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

  • Media outlet

  • Name of the media outlet
    Morski.hr
  • Type of media platform
    Online Media
  • Source of information about the incident
    Journalist

  • Incident Data

  • Date of incident
    01.09.2024
  • Perpetrator(s)
    Known (suspected)
  • Attacked by
    Organized groups
  • Means of incidents and attacks
    Chat applications
  • Type of incident
    life_threat

  • Action by the authorities

  • Type of violation
    Security threat

  • 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 association informed international organizations and institutions

The portal Morski.hr reported that after a meeting in which the Croatian Association of Private Shipowners discussed hiring the PR agency of Ankica Mamić, some members of a WhatsApp group proposed kidnapping Gašpar, due to his critical reporting on their activities, including alleged violations of maritime regulations. In the internal messages of the WhatsApp group “Brodari s Jadrana” (Shipowners from the Adriatic), collecting money for this purpose was suggested. One participant wrote: “Cesarica has paid and is asking for a proposal that we all contribute 100 euros, so someone can put the idiot from Morski.hr in a trunk and drive him around. It’s time someone shakes him up, and then he won’t get such ideas anymore. Thanks.” According to Morski.hr, about ten group members supported this initiative, with one message stating: “He should be taken on a ferry to Brač and left naked on Vidova Gora.”

The president of the Croatian Association of Private Shipowners, Arsen Ercegović, condemned the threats in an official response and apologized to Morski.hr. “There are about 300 shipowners and captains in the WhatsApp group. We deeply regret the irresponsible and harsh attack on Morski.hr. This is not the position of our Association, and we apologize on behalf of all members, strongly condemning this act. We have never resorted to pressure, especially not violence. This is absolutely unacceptable to us. The board of directors strongly condemns this incident, and the individual behind these statements is personally responsible for their actions,” the statement from the Association reads.

Jurica Gašpar, the editor and journalist of Morski.hr, stated that he fears for his and safety of his family. He interrupted his vacation and relocated to a safe location. He has reported the threats to the police.