tportalIndependentProgressiveFactual 95Objective 608/11/2026The article discusses a major environmental scandal in Lika, Croatia, where approximately 40,000 tons of hazardous waste was discovered near Gospić, causing severe soil and groundwater contamination. The incident, initially covered by the military intelligence agency USKOK as a case of artificial manipulation, gained public attention and turned into a significant political issue. Opposition parties, including Stranke Most, SDP, and Drito, have demanded an emergency session of parliament, while President Zoran Milanović has called for urgent action. Unofficial reports suggest pressure from the ruling coalition partner Domovinski pokret. The opposition has announced plans to initiate a vote of no confidence against the government. Environmental representative Dušica Radojčić has called for an emergency meeting of the parliamentary committee on environmental protection and nature conservation on-site in Gospić. Prime Minister Andrej Plenković has convened an emergency cabinet meeting and a gathering of representatives of the parliamentary majority. The scandal has led to speculation about the political costs for Environment Minister Marija Vučković, who is seen as having failed to act
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the environmental scandal as a political crisis that could lead to the collapse of the government, emphasizing the potential for a turning point and the threat posed to the ruling party. It highlights the involvement of opposition parties and the potential for a vote of no trust,
Why factuality (95): The article repeats key facts from previous sources, including the amount of waste, the role of USKOK, and the political reactions. It maintains consistency with the cross-source consensus and does not introduce new, unsupported claims. The details about the waste types and environmental impact are
Why objectivity (60): While factual, the article carries a strong political tone, particularly in the quotes from Hajdaš Dončić who directly criticizes Premier Plenković. This suggests a partisan framing, even if not overtly biased toward one party.
Jutarnji listIndependentProgressiveFactual 90Objective 858/11/2026The article outlines the timeline of one of the most severe cases of ecological destruction in modern Croatian history, involving the illegal dumping of hazardous waste by the couple Josip and Monika Šincek near Gospić. The environmental impact was revealed through a report by the Faculty of Geotechnics, which found approximately 37,000 tons of mixed waste, including medical and electronic waste, plastics, and construction materials, contaminating the soil with heavy metals. Concentrations of copper were 100 times higher than allowed for agricultural land, and PFAS chemicals were detected in groundwater, posing a risk of further contamination if not addressed. The Šinceks had previously been recognized as innovators in waste management, developing a project called Eko-Mundus to create new materials from non-recyclable plastic. They obtained permits for using the former PPK Velebit silo site based on their waste recycling plans, but the permit only allowed processing non-hazardous waste, not disposal. The local mayor’s office issued the permit under the supervision of Jerko Kostelac, a member of the HDZ party who was later arrested by USKOK.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the issue as a case of environmental neglect linked to political oversight, highlighting the role of local authorities and the HDZ party. While it presents factual information about the environmental damage and legal violations, it emphasizes the connection between political misg府
Why factuality (90): The article covers the legal and environmental implications of the waste dumping, referencing the findings of the police operation and expert analysis. It aligns with the primary source document and provides additional context on the individuals involved.
Why objectivity (85): The tone is generally neutral, though there is a focus on the severity of the situation, which can be interpreted as slightly emotive. The article does not take a clear political stance.
N1 HrvatskaIndependentProgressiveFactual 90Objective 758/10/2026Vjekoslav Bušić, član inicijative 'Gospić je naš dom', bio je gost na programu 'Novi dan' na N1 TV, gdje je govorio o ilegalnom odlagalištu otpada u Lici i potrebi za hitnom sanacijom. U razgovoru su istaknuti problemi povezani s nelegalnim skladištenjem otpada i utjecaj na okoliš. Bušić je naglasio da je potrebno najmanje deset godina za puno rešenje problema, što smatra neprihvatljivim. Diskusija je otvorena za publiku putem komentara i društvenih mreža.
Bias read (Progressive): Artikl fokusira na kritičku analizu ilegalnog odlagališta otpada kao političkog problema, uz naglašavanje potrebe za hitnom akcijom. Kako je tema povezana s okolišem i lokalnim vlastima, a izraz
Why factuality (90): This article provides detailed findings from the analysis conducted by the NZJZ 'Dr. Andrija Štampar', including elevated levels of antimony and organic carbon. It cites expert statements and aligns with the cross-source consensus on the health risks posed by the waste. The information is presented
Why objectivity (75): The tone is slightly more objective than some other articles, though it still leans toward highlighting the severity of the issue. It avoids direct accusations but emphasizes the potential dangers, which can be seen as subtly biased.
N1 HrvatskaIndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 908/11/2026 A family from Gospić for N1: "We are concerned about their health. The authorities should at least provide drinking water for the children!"An six-member family from Gospić, Croatia, living one kilometer away from a hazardous waste dump, has expressed serious concerns about their health and the future of local agriculture due to contamination of water, grass, and crops. The family, who engage in farming, fears that the polluted environment is affecting both their well-being and the sustainability of their livelihood. They report that animals consume contaminated grass and drink polluted water, while they rely on tap water for daily needs. Despite these risks, the family refuses to relocate, stating that their home is where they belong. They urge authorities to provide clean drinking water in schools and kindergartens and to remove the waste dump as soon as possible. The issue is linked to previous findings by USKOK, which revealed illegal waste dumping and significant levels of hazardous, ecotoxic waste at the site.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the issue as a public health and environmental crisis caused by negligence or corruption, emphasizing the suffering of ordinary citizens and calling for governmental action. It highlights the failure of authorities to protect residents and calls for intervention, which aligns with
Why factuality (85): The article provides specific details about the family's concerns regarding water contamination from a nearby waste site, including quotes from Katarina Jelinić and her son Dominko. These statements are consistent with the general consensus found in other articles covering the same event. The inform
Why objectivity (90): The article presents the family’s concerns in a neutral manner, using direct quotes and allowing them to express their fears and frustrations. There is minimal editorializing or biased language. The tone remains respectful and focused on conveying the family's perspective without overtly favoring an
Telegram.hrIndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 808/13/2026Saborska zastupnica Dalija Orešković objavila je komentar na Facebooku o slučaju ilegalnog odlaganja otpada u Gospiću, povezujući ga s nedostatkom nadzora i propusta u hrvatskom sustavu. Otkrio je da otpad, koji sadrži opasne tvari, nije mogao biti prihvaćen ni jednim od šezdesetak odlagališta u Europi, a stoji godinama u vrećama izložen vremenskim uvjetima. Orešković upozorila je na moguće posljedice za stanovništvo i podzemne vode, pitanjem kako je otpad mogao biti uvezen u Hrvatsku, uz pitanje carinske kontrole i licenci tvrtki. Pridružila je se istragi USKOK-a o sumnjama na organiziranu ilegalnu manipulaciju otpadom, koja uključuje lokacije u Varaždinu, Benkovačkom Selu i Senju, te tvrtke iz Hrvatske, Slovenije i Italije. Utvrdilo se da je na području Gospića zakopano oko 37.000 tona otpada, uključujući elektronički otpad, medicinski otpad i RDF, s visokim koncentracijama PFAS spojeva i bakra u podzemnim vodama.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the issue of illegal waste dumping in Gospić as a systemic failure linked to the Croatian government and Premier Andrej Plenković, using critical language toward state institutions like SOA. The focus on governmental responsibility and the implication that officials are complicit,
Why factuality (85): The article accurately reflects the statements made by Jure Zubčić and Silvana Čeko Jurišić, discussing the real concerns of the citizens and the responsibility of the premier. It aligns with the primary source and provides additional context about past incidents and institutional failures.
Why objectivity (80): The tone is supportive of the citizens' concerns and critical of the government's response, indicating a slight lean towards the opposition's perspective.
N1 HrvatskaIndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 808/11/2026 We can! calls for new elections: "Plenkovic assumes personal and political responsibility"...The Croatian opposition party 'Možemo!' has called for urgent measures to address illegal waste dumping in Gospić, demanding an extraordinary session of parliament to vote on a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Andrej Plenković. Coordinator Sandra Benčić criticized the government for failing to act swiftly on environmental concerns, accusing the ruling HDZ party of responsibility for ecological damage. She argued that the situation represents one of the worst ecocides in recent decades and warned of health risks due to contamination by harmful chemicals like PFAS. The party advocates for new elections and a complete overhaul of the corrupt waste management system, emphasizing the need to prioritize human and environmental protection over bureaucratic delays. Benčić also stated that the issue in Gospić is part of a broader systemic failure under the HDZ-led government, which has allowed dangerous waste to be illegally disposed of across the country.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the criticism of the government as a moral and ethical imperative, using strong language such as 'ecocide,' 'corrupt system,' and 'health risks.' It emphasizes the urgency of action and criticizes the government for inaction, aligning more with left-wing values of accountability,環
Why factuality (85): The article discusses ongoing efforts to clean up the waste site in Poznanovac and mentions the lack of progress so far. It aligns with the primary source document in terms of the location and issues being addressed.
Why objectivity (80): The tone is descriptive and focuses on the community's frustration, which could be seen as emotionally charged. There is little political commentary, keeping the focus on the local situation.
Index.hrIndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 708/17/2026The article reports on an upcoming extraordinary session of the Environmental Protection and Nature Conservation Committee in Croatia, set to take place in Gospić. The session has been called to address an environmental scandal involving illegal waste disposal, centered around the Brač couple Josip and Monika Šincek. Investigators suspect a well-organized and profitable system of avoiding proper waste management costs over many years. The session will include ministers Marija Vučković (Environment and Green Transition), Irena Hrstić (Health), and Chief State Prosecutor Ivan Turudić. During the event, Ivan Turudić was asked if he believed there was hysteria surrounding the issue, to which he responded by refusing to comment on either the prime minister or opposition representatives. Meanwhile, Dalija Orešković, a representative of the Civil Initiative, criticized the ruling HDZ party, accusing it of poisoning the country through corruption and calling for extraordinary elections or a government that would restore national pride. She warned that unless there is a turning point, mass protests could follow.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the environmental scandal as a systemic issue tied to political corruption, particularly targeting the ruling HDZ party. It uses strong language to accuse the government of poisoning the nation and calls for radical change, aligning with left-wing critiques of political elites. It
Why factuality (85): The article accurately summarizes the situation regarding the illegal waste dumping investigation and the upcoming parliamentary meeting. It includes relevant quotes from Ivan Turudić and mentions the involvement of various officials. However, it doesn’t include the full protest details from the pri
Why objectivity (70): The article maintains a relatively neutral tone while reporting facts and quoting officials. However, it still leans slightly toward emphasizing the severity of the issue without providing opposing views or broader context beyond the immediate environmental concern.
Index.hrIndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 708/16/2026 "They betrayed Liku"In Gospić, hundreds of citizens gathered for a protest against dangerous waste dumping in the area of Lika. The demonstration, organized by the 'Lika Club,' was attended by local politicians including Dalija Orešković and Tomislav Jonjić. Protesters displayed signs warning of environmental degradation and claimed that saving Lika would mean saving Croatia. Organizer Mile Ilić warned that the surrounding areas were contaminated and could become uninhabitable. A report commissioned by USKOK confirmed the presence of harmful PFAS chemicals in groundwater near waste disposal sites. Concerns include approximately 37,000 tons of waste arriving from Italy and Slovenia, along with medical waste from Croatian hospitals. While the Ministry of Environmental Protection stated that drinking water is safe, the ministry and the Environmental Protection Fund have taken charge of cleaning the illegal dump site. A new tender has been launched, targeting between 60 and 70 foreign operators.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the issue as a serious environmental threat caused by industrial and governmental negligence, emphasizing grassroots activism and criticism of both local and national authorities. It highlights concerns over contamination and health risks, which align with left-leaning priorities.
Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports the protest and the concerns raised by citizens about the waste issue. It references the 37,000 tons of waste and the presence of PFAS chemicals but does not include direct quotes from the RTL interview with Minister Vučković.
Why objectivity (70): The article maintains a relatively neutral tone while presenting both citizen concerns and the need for action, avoiding overtly biased language.
tportalIndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 708/11/2026 Local Gospić does not believe that the water is safe: 'This is not hysteria, my family is here'In Gospić, local resident Davor Bušljeta has expressed concerns over the safety of water due to illegal waste dumping at a nearby landfill. He described continuous truck traffic and machinery operations from 2021 to 2025, which he believes constitute a business operation rather than an accidental occurrence. Bušljeta disputes claims by Prime Minister Plenković that residents are being hysterical, arguing that their concern stems from fear for their family’s health, particularly for children. Despite government assurances that the water is safe, locals have been purchasing bottled water for two years. Community protests, such as the 'Hodaj za Liku' march, continue to demand action. Residents await the results of responsibility determination and environmental damage assessment, while expressing frustration over the lack of progress.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the issue through the perspective of a local resident who criticizes government officials (Prime Minister Plenković) for dismissing community concerns as hysteria. The emphasis on the residents’ justified fears and the call for accountability aligns with left-leaning narratives. S
Why factuality (85): This article includes a direct quote from Minister Vučković denying the issuance of permits for waste disposal in Gospić. It aligns with the primary source by focusing on the legal and administrative aspects of the issue. It also addresses the opposition's claims directly, maintaining consistency.
Why objectivity (70): The article is firm in its reporting but remains within professional bounds. It does not show significant bias, though it emphasizes the minister's position.
N1 HrvatskaIndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 708/10/2026 It's going to take at least 10 years to get all the waste out of here.Vjekoslav Bušić, član inicijative 'Gospić je naš dom', govorio je u emisiji 'Novi dan' o ilegalnom odlagalištu otpada u Lici i potrebi za hitnom sanacijom. On je naglasio da analize koje su bile dostupne od 2024. godine nisu bile dostupne javnosti dok su dostavljene tek u srpnju 2026., što potvrđuje njegovo tvrdnje da se radi o opasnom otpadu. Bušić je upozoren na onečišćenje podzemnih voda, posebno prisutnost PFAS spojeva, i naglasio da je situacija alarmantna. Uočio je da su rezultati uzorkovanja u razmaku od nekoliko mjeseci pokazali dramatične promjene, što ukazuje na brzo proširenje onečišćenja. On je smatrao da je potrebno hitno ukloniti otpad, jer je to opasno za okoliš i zdravlje ljudi, a da je trenutna procedura neefikasna.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the issue as a urgent environmental and health crisis, emphasizing the dangers posed by illegal waste dumping and the failure of authorities to act promptly. The tone suggests concern over governmental inaction and highlights grassroots efforts to hold officials accountable, which
Why factuality (85): The article repeats the main points from the first article, emphasizing the need for urgent action and referencing the analyses done by USKOK. It supports the cross-source consensus on the environmental impact and the delay in addressing the issue. However, it lacks new details or additional sources
Why objectivity (70): Similar to the first article, this piece uses emotionally charged language and focuses on criticizing the government’s response. It does not present alternative viewpoints or balance the narrative effectively.
Večernji listIndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 658/11/2026The article discusses growing pressure on the Croatian government regarding the illegal dumping of waste in Lici, with Prime Minister Andrej Plenković convening a meeting between coalition partners and the ruling party. The situation involves environmental concerns and legal challenges, including claims of ecological terrorism by local authorities. Gradonačelnik Darko Milinović of Gospić has called for urgent action and joint efforts to address the issue, emphasizing potential health risks to residents. Meanwhile, Mihael Zmajlović, a member of the parliamentary committee for environmental protection, criticizes the Ministry of Environmental Protection's handling of the case, accusing it of undermining itself and highlighting delays in waste removal and legal procedures.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the issue as a significant environmental crisis requiring urgent governmental intervention, using strong language such as 'ecological terrorism' and emphasizing the need for collective action. It highlights criticism of the government's handling of the situation, suggesting a left
Why factuality (85): The article reports on reactions to Plenković’s statements regarding the waste issue in Lika, referencing ongoing pressure on the government from both opposition and coalition parties. It mentions an upcoming meeting between the premier and party leaders, and highlights the situation related to ille
Why objectivity (65): The tone of the article leans towards political commentary, emphasizing the pressure on the government and the urgency of the situation. While it presents facts, it frames them within a political context, suggesting a bias toward highlighting governmental accountability rather than maintaining stric
Net.hrIndependentProgressiveFactual 80Objective 608/11/2026Residents of Lika remain concerned despite Premier Andrej Plenković stating that water in the area is safe for consumption. Citizens living near an illegal waste dump report ongoing feelings of insecurity, fearing potential contamination of soil, air, and food. One resident, Maja Vukelić, who moved from Zagreb to Gospić three years ago for cleaner air and safer environment, now faces an ecological crisis. She expresses fear over toxic particles spreading through the air and food chain, questioning whether she can safely feed her children. While the government claims there is no place for panic, residents argue their concerns are justified based on evidence they've gathered over a year and a half. They demand continuous monitoring of water, soil, and air quality, as well as coordinated action between local authorities, county governments, and national agencies. Maja criticizes the lack of attention to the Rakitovec landfill, which is legally designated but illegally used for hazardous waste.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the issue as a systemic failure of governance and highlights the disconnect between official assurances and grassroots concerns. It emphasizes the residents’ lived experience and calls for accountability, using emotive language and highlighting the lack of transparency and action.
Why factuality (80): The article provides personal accounts from residents like Maja Vukelić, which align with the primary source’s description of the situation. It mentions the health risks and the psychological impact on the community, supporting the claims about the dangers of PFAS and the lack of trust in authoritie
Why objectivity (60): The article has a strong emotional tone, focusing on the personal suffering of residents and using phrases like 'ekološka katastrofa' and 'konstantni strah.' This suggests a more subjective approach, emphasizing the human cost rather than presenting an objective analysis of the policy or legal aspec
N1 HrvatskaIndependentCenterFactual 75Objective 658/15/2026 Character intacta or ad acta?The article discusses the sudden shift in public perception of the region of Lika in Croatia, which was previously portrayed as pristine and untouched natural land ('terra intacta'). This image has been challenged by recent findings of significant pollution caused by toxic industrial and medical waste illegally dumped over years, primarily at the former Poljoprivrednog-prehrambenog kombinata Velebit site. The issue gained national attention after the Chief State Prosecutor, Ivan Turudić, criticized the findings as unsatisfactory during an interview on RTL, and the USKOK military organization released a detailed report confirming environmental damage and irreversible ecosystem destruction. The revelation has sparked panic among residents and led to accusations against local authorities, while Prime Minister Andrej Plenković has promised swift action. Meanwhile, opposition groups accuse the government of exaggerating the crisis and engaging in ecological terrorism.
Bias read (Center): While the article presents a critical view of the government’s handling of the environmental crisis, it does not overtly favor one political side over another. It reports on both the government’s promises and the opposition’s accusations without clear ideological leaning. The framing remains largely
Why factuality (75): The article provides background information on Lika’s natural beauty and tourism branding but does not directly address the specific protest event described in the primary source. It mentions environmental concerns but lacks direct sourcing from the protest organizers or the primary document. The cl
Why objectivity (65): The article uses emotionally charged language such as 'postapocalyptic environment,' 'skoro polumrtva zemlja,' and 'mrtva priroda.' It frames the issue as a betrayal by local authorities and implies blame on political parties without presenting counterarguments or balanced perspectives.
Croatia
