Brutal assault in Split highlights bystander apathy

A political scientist has described a shocking incident in Split, Croatia, where she claims to have witnessed a brutal assault on a young man, followed by the apparent indifference of bystanders. Jadranka Polović reported on Facebook that the attack occurred on Friday evening at the Žnjan plateau, a popular gathering spot.

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Last night in Split's Žnjan, I witnessed a scene of brutal violence that left hundreds of bystanders speechless, but even more devastatingly, without any reaction.

According to Polović, two young men, both in their twenties, clashed near a stall. One allegedly delivered a powerful kick to the other's head, causing him to fall to the ground unconscious. Polović stated that the attacker and his four companions then calmly walked away through the crowd without intervention. She described the injured man lying on the pavement while numerous passersby glanced at him but continued on their way, and others sat in a nearby cafe seemingly unconcerned.

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At one point, one young man strongly kicked the other in the head. The attacked person fell to the ground and lost consciousness.

Polović praised several young women who were the first to react and offer assistance. She also confirmed calling emergency medical services and the police, noting that two ambulance teams arrived quickly, followed by the police. However, she questioned the absence of a police patrol at such a busy and potentially risky location like Žnjan, which has become a major hub for both locals and tourists.

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The attacker and his four companions remained for a short while observing the consequences of their actions, assessing the victim's condition, and then they walked away completely calmly, almost triumphantly, through the crowd without anyone trying to stop them.

The most disturbing aspect for Polović was the public's reaction, or lack thereof. She expressed dismay at the perceived shift in societal behavior, where aggressors seem emboldened while the majority retreat into passive safety. Comments from men reportedly included reluctance to intervene for fear of becoming targets themselves. Polović's account has sparked significant discussion on social media regarding violence and bystander apathy in public spaces.

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The young man lay helplessly on the concrete of the Žnjan plateau, while numerous citizens passed by him, casting only a cursory glance and continuing as if nothing had happened. Others sat indifferently in the cafe next door, drinking their drinks.