My father's killer gets weekend leave and annual vacation, we don't feel safe, says Matija Ljubek's son

Nikica Ljubek lives in constant fear, haunted by the repeated weekend releases of the man who murdered his father and uncle and severely injured his aunt. The convicted killer, sentenced to 35 years, has been granted furloughs and a three-week annual leave after serving 25 years, despite warnings that his "work is not finished."

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He is released without escort and any supervision. He only has a restriction on movement within the Lepoglava municipality, but that is an hour from Zagreb.

Ljubek's family is distressed by the offender's freedom, especially since he is allowed to leave without supervision and is only restricted to the Lepoglava municipality, which is an hour from Zagreb. They have appealed to various institutions, including the ministry, but have been told that the law permits such releases. "What about the protection of the victim's rights?" Ljubek questioned, highlighting the family's ongoing trauma and insecurity.

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What about the protection of the victim's rights?

The offender's violent past includes an ambush on Ljubek's father, a missed shot at his brother, and the murder of his uncle. His aunt survived the attack but died prematurely due to the trauma. The family is notified before each release, a practice Ljubek finds alarming, fearing it could lead to further tragedy. He questions why the authorities allow such freedom despite police opposition and calls for urgent legal reform to prioritize victims' safety.

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He killed my father from an ambush, missed my brother, went to my uncle, killed him on the spot and wounded my aunt who managed to survive then, but died prematurely from trauma – it affected her lifespan.