Croatian Mafia Blamed in Killings of Journalists

The Financial Times (FT) reports the Croatian mafia is the prime suspect in the killings of investigative journalist Ivo Pukanic (above), owner and editor-in-chief of Nacional, a political weekly, and Niko Franjic, a close associate of his.

Remains of the car where both
journalists were killed (EPA Photo)

FN points out that the attack "is a sharp reminder that Croatia has a dark side so dangerous that it threatens to destabilise the whole country," meaning the pernicious influence organized crime has on the entire country.

Pukanic, who had alleged links to the mafia, was not the cleanest journalist in the Balkans. But that is beside the point. Nobody should face extrajudicial execution, especially not in a country hoping to join the European Union.

Ivo Sanader, prime minister, condemned the car bombing saying, “I shall not allow Croatia to become another Beirut. This is no longer a fight against organised crime. This is something all of us in Croatia will rise up against.”

He must deliver on his pledge. For too long, the authorities have dragged their feet over fighting crime. Newspapers have often published allegations of links between criminals, businessmen and politicians. But the authorities have not responded effectively. Under public pressure, Mr Sanader this month finally replaced his justice and interior ministers after Ms Hodak’s killing. Now, the authorities must launch a real crackdown on crime.

Serbia managed it after the 2003 shooting of Zoran Djindjic, the late prime minister. If Belgrade could act in far more fragile political conditions than Croatia’s, Zagreb must follow suit.

The EU, which sees Croatia as its next accession candidate, must ensure Zagreb transforms its record on fighting crime well before it actually enters the union. The embarrassing example of Bulgaria, which joined the EU before the job was done, should make Brussels take extra care with its future members in the western Balkans. If that means making Croatia wait, then Croatia must wait. Sunshine alone is not a protection against crime. Just ask the Sicilians.

President Stipe Mesic condemned the killing by saying, “It is now a choice between us — the state of law — and them: criminals, terrorists, Mafia."