Miroslav Pačnik, who beheaded the statue of the dictator, received an indictment (+interview)

Miroslav Pačnik, a resident of Velenje, has been charged with damaging property of cultural significance after he removed the head of a statue of Josip Broz Tito in the town’s center. The incident, which occurred earlier this year, has sparked public debate and legal proceedings against Pačnik. According to official reports, Pačnik received formal charges on July 27, 2026. The charge stems from alleged damage or destruction of items of particular cultural importance, under Article 219-1 of the Criminal Code. This provision carries a potential prison sentence of up to five years, along with a fine of at least €11,254.50. The charges were delivered following his arrest by police officers who had initially detained him after the act. At the time of his arrest, the officers reportedly imposed a minimum sentence of eight years of imprisonment, significantly higher than the one proposed in the formal indictment. This discrepancy highlights the severity with which authorities have viewed the act, suggesting that the removal of the statue's head was perceived as a serious violation of public order and historical preservation. Pačnik, however, has defended his actions as a form of protest. He described the act as a deliberate and symbolic response to the legacy of Tito, whom he views as a figure responsible for numerous atrocities against Slovenian culture. In a statement posted on social media, he emphasized that Tito’s regime suppressed cultural expression and led to the deaths of thousands of Slovenes. “Tito restricted Slovenian culture and is responsible for the murder of many aware Slovenian cultural figures,” he wrote. His actions are detailed in a book titled Obglavljeni diktator (translated as The Beheaded Dictator), published by Nova obzorja. The book provides an account of his motivations and the broader context of his decision to remove the head of the Tito statue. The narrative reflects a deep personal conviction that such monuments should not stand as symbols of oppression. In an interview conducted by journalist Andrej Sekulović for the print edition of Demokracija, Pačnik explained his rationale. He argued that individuals responsible for mass killings and forced displacement do not deserve public memorials. He stated, “A person responsible for the death of tens of thousands and the expulsion of hundreds of thousands of Slovenians does not deserve a monument in the public square.” He further contended that the existence of any nation depends on its culture, which in turn influences political systems and laws. Healthy cultures foster life and free creativity, leading to economic growth and long-term national survival. Pačnik pointed to the historical context of Slovenia’s struggle for independence, noting that while past rulers were often nobles or monarchs, modern leaders have taken on similar roles through ideological means. He criticized the continued reverence for Tito despite his known crimes, stating that there are approximately 5,700 commemorative sites in Slovenia, with the Tito statue being the most prominent among them. “This statue represents the godlike image of communism, which can never be refuted,” he remarked. He questioned why Tito’s crimes are not adequately acknowledged. His answer suggests a deeper issue within society: “The reason they don’t want to refute all his crimes is because even some of them desire the same absolute power. If they continue to uphold the myth of a righteous leader, perhaps they will eventually become proud heirs to his legacy.”