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๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡ท Croatia /Conflict & Security

Mayor Detained Amidst Probe into Illegal Cemetery and Attack on Journalists

From Veฤernji List · (7m ago) Croatian Critical tone

Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The mayor of Marina, Ante Mamut, was detained on suspicion of multiple criminal offenses, including threats, following an attack on a Nova TV news crew.
  • The incident occurred while the crew was reporting on an illegal cemetery containing a morgue and 32 graves, allegedly sold for thousands of euros.
  • The mayor had previously admitted the structures were built without permits, citing local needs, and suggested subsequent legalization.

The arrest of Marina Municipality Mayor Ante Mamut marks a significant escalation in the controversy surrounding an illegal cemetery in the village of Mitlo. Mamut was detained on suspicion of serious criminal offenses, including threats, after a Nova TV journalistic team was attacked while investigating the site. This incident, which left two journalists requiring medical attention, has drawn widespread attention and prompted a swift police response. The alleged involvement of the mayor and his son in the assault underscores the gravity of the situation and the deep-seated issues at play.

The illegal cemetery itself is a complex issue, reportedly featuring a morgue and 32 burial plots sold privately for substantial sums. Adding to the intrigue, the land ownership is disputed, with one landowner claiming structures were built without his knowledge or consent, and alleging a forged donation contract. Furthermore, reports suggest that parts of the infrastructure may have been financed from the municipal budget without public tenders, while private individuals engaged in the sale of burial plots, a practice explicitly forbidden by law. Mayor Mamut's prior admission that the facilities were constructed without necessary permits, justified by alleged local needs, and his proposal for retrospective legalization, only deepen the public's concern and skepticism.

Naฤelnik Ante Mamut prijavljen je za viลกe kaznenih djela, kazneno djelo prijetnje je najteลพe ลกto mu se stavlja na teret.

โ€” Dnevnik.hrReporting on the charges against Mayor Ante Mamut, including the most serious charge of threats.

This case highlights a disturbing intersection of alleged criminal activity, questionable municipal governance, and potential corruption within a sensitive area like a cemetery. The attack on journalists attempting to shed light on these issues is particularly alarming, suggesting an attempt to suppress information and intimidate the press. From a Croatian perspective, as reported by Veฤernji List, this story raises critical questions about accountability, transparency, and the rule of law. The fact that the mayor was detained just moments before he was scheduled to appear on a national television program to discuss the case further emphasizes the urgency and seriousness with which authorities are treating these allegations. The ongoing investigation and the potential for further legal proceedings underscore the commitment to uncovering the truth and ensuring justice.

Nakon ลกto smo u poslijepodnevnim sat

โ€” Ministry officialA ministry official commenting on the situation regarding private cemeteries and upcoming inspections.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Veฤernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.