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State evicts anti-fascists from building used since 1953; no replacement accommodation
Croatia🏛️ PoliticsLean Progressive15 days ago

State evicts anti-fascists from building used since 1953; no replacement accommodation

The Ministry of Spatial Planning, Construction, and State Property has requested that the Savez antifašističkih boraca i antifašista (SABA RH) vacate their building at Hatzovova 16 in Zagreb by September 1st, due to planned comprehensive restoration work following damage from the 2020 earthquake. The ministry states that a tunnel scaffold for pedestrian protection was installed in November and that a procurement process for project documentation and renovation works is underway. However, SABA members claim they have not been offered alternative premises and express concerns over the phrasing of the request, which demands the return of the property to the state for renovation. They argue that while the ministry claims to fully fund the renovation, there is no guarantee of returning to the building after repairs. Several organizations using the space, including local antifašist groups and the 'Josip Broz Tito' Associations network, are uncertain about future use of the space and whether they will be able to continue operations there. SABA president Franjo Habulin notes repeated attempts to meet with relevant authorities regarding the building’s adaptation and status, emphasizing that

The government has ordered anti-fascist organizations to vacate their historic building in central Zagreb by September 1, prompting calls for assistance from the city mayor. The Savez antifašističkih boraca i antifašista (SABA RH) received official notice in mid-April requiring them to move from the building located at Hatzova Street 16. This structure has been used by the organization since 1953, but they have not been offered alternative premises, according to reports. According to the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Construction, and State Property, the decision stems from an early February resolution to fully renovate the building damaged in Zagreb’s 2020 earthquake. A complex structural renovation is planned, with tunnel scaffolding already installed last November to protect pedestrians. The ministry stated that a public procurement process is underway to prepare documentation and carry out the restoration work, and an agreement has been reached with current users to vacate the building by September 1. However, the ministry did not specify when the renovations would begin or end, nor provide an estimated cost of the project. They also did not confirm whether an alternative property had been offered to SABA or other groups using the building. The organizations occupying the building expressed uncertainty about their future after September 1. They questioned whether they would be allowed to return once the renovations were completed. One particularly concerning aspect of the ministry's letter was its demand that occupants “free the property from people and things and hand it over to the ministry for the purpose of carrying out a complete renovation.” Representatives from SABA emphasized that the claim that the ministry will “fully finance the entire renovation process” does not guarantee their return to the building after repairs are completed. They noted that the government has yet to offer an alternative property for their activities, adding that the ministry confirmed it does not possess any property that could be given to current users for their registered activities. Franjo Habulin, president of SABA, highlighted his efforts to seek meetings with officials regarding the building’s condition and renovation plans. He pointed out that the group regularly pays rent for the use of the building, which is state-owned. An expert team visited earlier this year and identified severe damage to the roof, load-bearing walls, and beams, recommending a complete overhaul. Following this assessment, the ministry issued the eviction notice with a possible extension if the renovation starts later than planned. Habulin stressed the difficulty of finding a suitable replacement space, especially considering the amount of inventory needing relocation. Items such as furniture, a library, and artworks valued around €50,000 are among the possessions that need moving. While part of the inventory might temporarily relocate to a neighboring building formerly owned by the Association of War Invalids of Croatia (SRVIH), which is currently being liquidated, the challenge lies in finding an appropriate space to host events and utilize the large hall available in Hatzova Street. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that SABA can return to the building after its renovation, noting that the organization has operated there since 1953. Despite these challenges, he believes there is goodwill to keep the organization based at the address. Habulin mentioned that SABA is seeking help from the City of Zagreb and Mayor Tomislav Tomašević to assist with the transition. This request underscores the complexity of the situation and the need for coordinated support from local authorities.

3 reports

N1 Hrvatska logoN1 HrvatskaIndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 7515 days ago
The state is evicting anti-fascists from a multi-million euro building they've been using for 70 years, they don't know if they'll ever return.

The Ministry of Spatial Planning, Construction, and State Property has requested that the Union of Antifascist Fighters (SABA RH) vacate a building in Zagreb’s Hatzov Street, which they have used since 1953, by September 1st. The ministry claims the building requires comprehensive renovation after damage from the 2020 earthquake and has already installed a tunnel scaffold for pedestrian protection. They mention ongoing preparations for a public procurement process for the renovation project but did not specify when work will start, its estimated cost, or whether a replacement space was offered to SABA. In response, SABA members express concern over the lack of a replacement location and uncertainty about their future use of the building. They note that while the ministry claims to fully fund the renovation, there is no guarantee they will return to the premises. Additionally, they highlight that the state has not provided alternative property and that the ministry does not currently manage any property suitable for their activities.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the situation as a conflict between the state and historical organizations, emphasizing the lack of support and transparency from the government. The tone suggests a critique of bureaucratic neglect and the potential loss of cultural/historical spaces. While not overtly partisan,

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports the situation regarding the relocation of SABA members from the building in Hatzova ulica due to planned renovations. It mentions the timeline, the request by the Ministry, and the lack of alternative space. The information aligns with the cross-source consensus among

Why objectivity (75): The tone remains neutral, presenting both sides of the issue – the government’s need for renovation and the organizations’ concerns about losing their space. However, there is a slight editorial tilt towards the organizations’ perspective, especially in phrases like 'nije jasno hoćemo li se vratiti'

tportal logotportalIndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 7515 days ago
State evicts anti-fascists from building used since 1953; no replacement accommodation

The Ministry of Spatial Planning, Construction, and State Property has requested that the Savez antifašističkih boraca i antifašista (SABA RH) vacate their building at Hatzovova 16 in Zagreb by September 1st, due to planned comprehensive restoration work following damage from the 2020 earthquake. The ministry states that a tunnel scaffold for pedestrian protection was installed in November and that a procurement process for project documentation and renovation works is underway. However, SABA members claim they have not been offered alternative premises and express concerns over the phrasing of the request, which demands the return of the property to the state for renovation. They argue that while the ministry claims to fully fund the renovation, there is no guarantee of returning to the building after repairs. Several organizations using the space, including local antifašist groups and the 'Josip Broz Tito' Associations network, are uncertain about future use of the space and whether they will be able to continue operations there. SABA president Franjo Habulin notes repeated attempts to meet with relevant authorities regarding the building’s adaptation and status, emphasizing that

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the situation as a conflict between the state and grassroots antifašist organizations, highlighting their lack of alternatives and the perceived lack of transparency or support from the government. The emphasis on the state's demand for the return of the property and the absenceof

Why factuality (85): This article provides the same core facts as the first, including the date of the relocation order, the reason (building damage from the 2020 earthquake), and the lack of alternative space. It matches the other sources in reporting the same events and official statements, maintaining consistency acr

Why objectivity (75): The article maintains a neutral tone but includes a slightly more emotive phrase: 'Tražit ćemo pomoć Tomaševića', which suggests a call for help, potentially implying criticism of the government. This adds a subtle subjective element despite the overall factual reporting.

Jutarnji list logoJutarnji listIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 7015 days ago
Antifascists ordered to move out of historic building in the center of Zagreb: We will ask for help from Tomasevic

The Savez antifašističkih boraca i antifašista (SABA RH), a group of anti-fascist organizations, has been ordered by the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Construction, and State Property to vacate a historic building at Hatzovova Street in Zagreb by September 1st. The building, which they have occupied since 1953, is being demolished for comprehensive reconstruction due to damage sustained during the 2020 Zagreb earthquake. The ministry states that a public procurement process is underway for the renovation project, but has not provided details on start dates, cost estimates, or alternative premises for the groups. The organizations express concern over the lack of clarity regarding their future operations and whether they will be able to return after the renovations. They argue that the state has not offered them a replacement space or guaranteed access to the building post-renovation.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of the administrative decision by the Ministry to relocate the anti-fascist groups, without overtly criticizing or praising either side. It includes quotes from both the Ministry and the organizations involved, maintaining a balanced tone. There is no clear sl抗

Why factuality (85): The third article also reports the same key points: the relocation order, the time frame, the lack of replacement space, and the ongoing renovation process. It confirms the same information as the others, showing alignment with the cross-source consensus. Minor differences in phrasing do not affect

Why objectivity (70): While the content is factual, the article uses more emotionally charged language such as 'nije jasno hoćemo li se nakon obnove vratiti', which introduces doubt and concern. This leans toward the organizations’ perspective, reducing objectivity compared to the previous articles.

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