PHOTO Protest in Gospić: Look who emerged from the politicians
A protest took place in Gospić over dangerous waste in the Lika region. Hundreds of citizens gathered at Stjepan Radić Square starting at 9:30 AM, with Ante Franić delivering an opening speech on behalf of the organizers at 10 AM. Several politicians attended, including parliamentary representative Dalija Orešković, Karolina Vidović Krišto from the 'Decisiveness and Justice' party, and Zagreb city councilor Tomislav Jonjić. Protest posters included messages such as 'They have sold out Lika and wrapped it in black,' 'They poisoned the water, soil, and air,' and 'If we save Lika, we save Croatia.' The protest was organized by Mile Ilić, who previously addressed citizens across Croatia, warning that areas like Gospić, Otočac, Udbina, Perušić, and Gračac are contaminated and could become uninhabitable.
In the small town of Poznanovac, residents continue to grapple with the ongoing issue of illegal waste dumping, despite years of warnings and repeated reports. According to local authorities, approximately 13,200 tons of waste have been identified for removal from two locations within the area. This includes plastic, packaging waste, tires, and even hazardous materials generated through mechanical processing. A single bid was submitted for the cleanup, though its cost far exceeded the planned budget. The final decision is expected by late September. Residents have long expressed concerns over the presence of hazardous waste near their homes, particularly in areas close to the village. One resident, Ankica Marko, described the situation as unbearable, noting that the smell becomes overwhelming during seasonal changes. She and other locals have repeatedly reported the burning of waste at night, which they claim has led to health risks and environmental degradation. These complaints date back to 2019, with multiple formal complaints filed and documented by the municipal inspectorate. Former mayor of Bedekovčina, Darko Ban, confirmed these allegations, stating that numerous incidents were reported over the past five years. The situation has escalated further with the involvement of national institutions. The State Prosecution Office in Zlatar has expanded its investigation into potential criminal charges related to the case. Three individuals and one trading company from Zagreb are under suspicion of importing more than 4,500 tons of both hazardous and non-hazardous waste from Slovenia. The permit for this activity was issued by the administrative office of the Krapinsko-Zagorska County. Minister Marija Vučković of Environmental Protection and Green Transition emphasized that the issuance of permits four times is unusual, yet the local community remained vocal throughout the process. Despite this, she noted that there was persistent approval for the permits, suggesting that the conditions required for granting them were not fully met. The county mayor, Željko Kolar, stated that the permitted amount of non-hazardous waste, up to 1,500 tons, was significantly exceeded. Worse still, hazardous waste was found among the materials. He acknowledged that while the community had raised concerns, the repeated issuance of permits indicates a lack of proper oversight. The mayor stressed that the responsibility lies with those who failed to meet legal requirements, even as the community continued to raise alarms. Meanwhile, political figures are pushing for greater transparency and accountability. Saborska zastupnica Dušica Radojčić of the party Možemo! has called for a public hearing regarding the responsibility for the waste dump in Gospić. She argues that such hearings are essential tools for identifying those responsible for the illegal dumping of over 600 truckloads of waste. Radojčić criticized the current system, claiming that the existing procedures have failed to prevent the smuggling of waste across borders. She pointed out that despite the number of trucks entering Gospić, no one has investigated the origin of these shipments. She emphasized the need for a thorough examination of all parties involved, including local authorities, law enforcement, and regulatory bodies. Radojčić also highlighted the broader implications of the issue, noting that Croatia appears to have become a destination for illegal waste disposal. She warned that the guarantees sought from foreign waste importers are insufficient to cover the damage caused. The costs of remediation fall on the local population, and someone must be held accountable. She urged the government to take immediate action, ensuring that future waste management practices prioritize public safety and environmental protection. As the debate continues, the upcoming meeting of the parliamentary committee on environmental protection will serve as a critical moment. It is expected that representatives from civil initiatives will participate, providing additional perspectives on the issue. Radojčić hopes that the session will uncover previously unknown information and lead to meaningful reforms. With the threat of continued illegal waste dumping looming, the pressure on local and national authorities to act decisively grows stronger each day.
Go to the primary sources (1)
The official sources this coverage is built on. Read them directly to bypass framing.
The article describes the environmental degradation at the scenic location of Vruja in Croatia, highlighting the accumulation of trash and plastic waste along the cliffs and slopes leading down to the sea. It criticizes the lack of proper waste management by local authorities, noting that garbage bins are overflowing and that the wind carries litter into the ocean. The piece emphasizes the contrast between the natural beauty of the area and the pollution caused by tourists and residents, suggesting that the situation has worsened over time. It also mentions the presence of graffiti on tourist signs and the unsanitary conditions of public restrooms, drawing attention to the broader issue of environmental neglect in a country reliant on tourism.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the issue of environmental neglect as a systemic failure of local governance and public responsibility, using strong language to criticize both authorities and individuals. While it does not directly call for specific political action, the tone leans toward holding officials and a
Why factuality (85): The article describes the state of waste management at a tourist site in Croatia, specifically mentioning littering, overflowing trash bins, and the impact on the natural landscape. While no primary source is available, the description aligns with common reports from multiple sources about similar i
Why objectivity (65): The tone of the article is highly emotive and critical, using strong language like 'sramota' (shame) and 'tuga zemlje' (sadness of the land) to evoke a sense of urgency and moral outrage. This emotional framing suggests a clear bias towards condemning the behavior rather than presenting an objective
N1 HrvatskaIndependentProgressiveFactual 80Objective 657 days ago
In Gospić, a protest took place concerning dangerous waste in Lika. Hundreds of citizens gathered on Trg Stjepana Radića starting at 9:30 AM, with speeches delivered by local politicians including Dalija Orešković, Karolina Vidović Krišto, and Tomislav Jonjić. Protest signs carried messages such as 'They have betrayed and dressed us in black,' 'They poisoned water, soil, and air,' and 'If we save Lika, then we have saved Croatia.' The organizer, Mile Ilić, warned participants that areas like Gospić, Otočac, Udbina, Perušić, and Gračac were contaminated, describing them as part of a 'ring of evil' surrounding the region. He claimed these areas would become uninhabitable, either as a 'burnt land' or 'dead nature,' emphasizing the severity of environmental degradation.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the protest as a moral and environmental crisis, using strong emotive language ('betrayed,' 'poisoned,' 'mortal danger') and emphasizes the threat to national identity through environmental destruction. Politicians attending the event align with the activist message, suggesting a左
Why factuality (80): The article accurately describes the protest and the messages on the banners but does not incorporate specific details from the RTL interview with Minister Vučković.
Why objectivity (65): The article uses emotionally charged language and focuses on the protesters' concerns, showing a clear bias against the current administration.
Jutarnji listIndependentCenterFactual 80Objective 657 days ago
A protest took place in Gospić over dangerous waste in the Lika region. Hundreds of citizens gathered at Stjepan Radić Square starting at 9:30 AM, with Ante Franić delivering an opening speech on behalf of the organizers at 10 AM. Several politicians attended, including parliamentary representative Dalija Orešković, Karolina Vidović Krišto from the 'Decisiveness and Justice' party, and Zagreb city councilor Tomislav Jonjić. Protest posters included messages such as 'They have sold out Lika and wrapped it in black,' 'They poisoned the water, soil, and air,' and 'If we save Lika, we save Croatia.' The protest was organized by Mile Ilić, who previously addressed citizens across Croatia, warning that areas like Gospić, Otočac, Udbina, Perušić, and Gračac are contaminated and could become uninhabitable.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a protest involving local residents and several politicians, presenting their statements and concerns without overtly favoring any side. It includes quotes from both organizers and participants but does not exhibit clear bias toward one political perspective.
Why factuality (80): The article accurately reports the protest and the messages displayed but does not include direct quotes from the RTL interview with Minister Vučković.
Why objectivity (65): The article presents the protest as a serious issue but uses emotionally charged language, indicating a critical stance towards the government.
How each side covered it
The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.
progressive
center
conservative
★
How each side covered it
Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.
Croatia
