Zagreb Prefect Kožić Denies Guilt, Claims Shock at Court Appearance

Zagreb County Prefect Stjepan Kožić has vehemently denied all charges of influence peddling, stating, "I am not guilty!" He expressed profound shock at finding himself in court, a sentiment compounded by ongoing serious health issues that have complicated his defense and the trial's proceedings.

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I am not guilty!

The trial centers on accusations that Kožić, in early January 2020, allegedly instructed Mirjana Oštrec Bosak, then head of his office, to use county funds for food and drinks. The order was reportedly to provide refreshments for medical staff at KB Merkur hospital, where Kožić had been treated. The bill for this amounted to 5,250 kuna (696 euros), with the invoice falsely stating it was for a lunch with representatives from the Ministry of Science and Education.

According to the indictment by the Office for the Suppression of Corruption and Organized Crime (USKOK), Oštrec Bosak complied with Kožić's request, signing the order herself. The invoice was later co-signed by Kožić's deputy, Nadica Žužak, who, unaware of the misrepresentation, approved the payment. USKOK claims this resulted in the county budget being defrauded, as the expense was deemed Kožić's personal cost.

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I am in shock that I even ended up in court.

Kožić, who has served as Zagreb County Prefect since 2001, initially with the Croatian Peasant Party before becoming an independent in 2018, argues he acted within the rules. He suggests that Mirjana Oštrec Bosak, who is also ill and whose case was separated due to unfitness to stand trial, bears responsibility for the situation. The verdict in Kožić's case is scheduled for pronouncement on Monday.

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I think I did everything according to the rules.