Protesters in Croatia decry 'poisonous' industrial waste, demand cleanup

Hundreds of citizens gathered in Gospić, Croatia, to protest what they describe as dangerous industrial waste threatening the Lika region's environment and health. Protesters marched in the town square, carrying banners with messages like "Lika has been betrayed and plunged into darkness" and "They poisoned the water, soil, and air."

Organizers voiced strong concerns about the contamination, with one speaker, Mile Ilić, warning that the region could become "barren land" or "dead nature." He questioned why authorities had not acted more decisively to address the issue, which he claims affects Gospić, Otočac, Udbina, Perušić, and Gračac.

Several politicians attended the demonstration. Karolina Vidović Krišto called the situation "ecocide," criticizing the government and institutions for their perceived inaction. "They are poisoning us, and we will ultimately pay for the cleanup out of our own pockets," she stated, demanding to know why the military had not immediately begun excavation.

Dalija Orešković, a member of parliament, attended not as a politician but as someone with roots in the area. She emphasized the importance of protecting Lika for future generations, stating, "One day when I am no longer here, that little piece of land we have is the last thing I will leave to my children." She urged for an end to political divisions and praised the courage of the protesters.

The protest highlights long-standing concerns over illegal waste disposal at a former industrial complex. Investigations suggest tens of thousands of tons of mixed waste, including plastic, medical, and electronic materials, were buried. Geotechnical assessments have revealed elevated heavy metal concentrations and the presence of "forever chemicals" in groundwater, raising fears of further pollution. While authorities maintain the public water supply is not threatened, cleanup costs are estimated to reach up to 50 million euros, and remediation has yet to begin.

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