Osijek officials condemn violent assault on airport director and VAR referee

Osijek Mayor Ivan Radić and Osijek-Baranja County Prefect Nataša Tramišak have vehemently condemned a violent assault on Tihomir Pejin, the director of Osijek Airport and a football VAR referee. Pejin was attacked by two masked assailants while on his morning run in Wilsonova Street.

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I most strongly condemn every form of violence. There is no and must be no place for violence, intolerance, and arbitrary actions in Osijek.

Radić, who spoke with Pejin after the incident, expressed deep concern and wished him a swift recovery. "I most strongly condemn every form of violence. There is no and must be no place for violence, intolerance, and arbitrary actions in Osijek," the mayor stated. He emphasized that Osijek is being built as a city of security, mutual respect, and community, where everyone feels safe and dignified, asserting that these values are non-negotiable.

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I am glad that Mr. Tihomir Pejin was immediately taken care of at KBC Osijek, where he received appropriate medical assistance and is not in life-threatening danger.

County Prefect Tramišak echoed these sentiments, highlighting her relief that Pejin's injuries are not life-threatening. "I am glad that Mr. Tihomir Pejin was immediately taken care of at KBC Osijek, where he received appropriate medical assistance and is not in life-threatening danger," she said. Tramišak expressed her full support for Pejin and his family, adding that while this appears to be an isolated incident, it must not be repeated, and violence should never be a means of settling scores in society.

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I do not want to speculate about the motives for the attack because I do not know who attacked me or why, but I believe that the police will find the perpetrators and clarify all the circumstances of the event.

Pejin himself, speaking from the hospital, stated he does not wish to speculate on the motives behind the attack, as he does not know who assaulted him or why. However, he trusts that the police will find the perpetrators and clarify all circumstances. He was attacked during his regular morning training routine. Police received a report of an injured person at 7:01 AM and found the 43-year-old man, who was then transported to the Osijek Clinical Hospital Center for medical attention. The attackers were reportedly masked and armed.

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Citizens must have confidence that the state protects their safety and that no one is above the law.