A damaged monument to anti-fascist fighters near Chabra, thieves have stolen half a ton of bronze.

A bronze relief sculpture commemorating anti-fascist fighters has been damaged and partially looted near Čabra in the Gorski Kotar region, with more than half a ton of bronze removed. The incident occurred at one of several memorials dedicated to anti-fascist resistance during World War II, located between Parga and Gorača. Local authorities confirmed the theft and are investigating the crime, suspecting multiple individuals were involved due to the weight of the stolen material. A truck was reportedly used to transport the stolen bronze, which is believed to have been taken for its monetary value rather than ideological motives. The stolen bronze reliefs were removed from the memorial while the inscriptions and commemorative plaques remained undamaged. Authorities estimate the total weight of the stolen material to exceed 500 kilograms. Police are conducting a criminal investigation and have informed metal-buying companies in Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy about the case, hoping they might notice a large quantity of bronze being purchased. Security footage from nearby roads is also being reviewed to trace the movement of the stolen goods. The memorial was created by Croatian sculptor Mile Grgas, a student of Antun Augustinčić. According to estimates from experts, the value of the monument ranges between 50,000 and 100,000 euros. This adds significance to the case, as the destruction of such historical monuments represents not just a loss of cultural heritage, but also a challenge to collective memory and national identity. Drago Vrus, a former member of parliament and president of the Association of Anti-Fascist Fighters and Antifascists of Čabra, told Novi list that he does not believe the perpetrators are local residents. He suggested the act was motivated by financial gain rather than political ideology. Meanwhile, Mayor Antonio Dražović emphasized that the city has alerted relevant institutions and is working to recover the stolen materials. The Social Democratic Party (SDP) of Čabra has also condemned the vandalism, calling it an attack on historical memory and national values. On social media, the party stated that the destruction of the monument is not merely an act of vandalism but a violation of the principles upon which modern Croatia is built. They highlighted that anti-fascism is one of the foundational values of the Republic of Croatia and that these memorials belong to all citizens. The SDP called for swift action to identify and prosecute the offenders and requested immediate restoration of the damaged monument. “This heritage belongs to us all,” the SDP statement read. “Every form of vandalism must be firmly rejected. Such acts have no place in our society.” The party’s stance reflects broader concerns among local officials and historians about the increasing vulnerability of historical sites to deliberate damage and theft. While the police continue their investigation, the community remains united in its demand for justice and preservation of its cultural legacy.