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Famous judge attacked in Osijek, two masked men beat him with sticks
Croatia🏛️ PoliticsCenter16 days ago

Famous judge attacked in Osijek, two masked men beat him with sticks

A well-known figure, Tihomir Pejin, former long-time football referee and current director of Osijek Airport, was attacked early morning in Wilsonova Street in Osijek by two masked men. The attackers struck him with telescopic batons while he was running, causing minor injuries. According to police reports, the incident occurred around 7 AM when a 43-year-old man was found injured on the street. Pejin confirmed the attack to 24sata, stating he does not know why he was targeted or who the attackers were. Witnesses reported that one attacker was riding a motorcycle wearing a helmet, while the other wore a face mask and chased Pejin. The attack lasted only a few seconds before being interrupted by a passing car driver honking, prompting the attackers to flee. Pejin remained conscious after the attack and was taken to the hospital for examination. The motive behind the attack remains unknown, and the police investigation is ongoing.

A former football referee and current VAR official, Tihomir Pejin, was brutally attacked early Friday morning near Osijek, Croatia. The incident occurred around 7:01 AM in Wilsonova Street, close to the former Gradski Vrt stadium, where Pejin was running his usual morning route. According to police reports, two masked men approached him while he was jogging. One of them rode up on a motorcycle wearing a helmet, while the other chased him on foot. After catching up with Pejin, the attackers struck him with telescopic batons before fleeing the scene after being startled by a passing car’s horn. Witnesses say Pejin fell to the ground but continued to be assaulted with their feet until the vehicle's arrival interrupted the attack. The victim, identified as 43-year-old Tihomir Pejin, was taken to the Clinical Hospital Center in Osijek for medical evaluation. Police have confirmed that he suffered no serious injuries. Pejin himself spoke briefly to media representatives, stating, “I don’t know why I was attacked or who did it. I hope the police will find the perpetrators.” He added that he had no prior knowledge of the attackers or their motives. Pejin has been a prominent figure in Croatian football for over two decades. Before transitioning into the role of a VAR referee, he officiated top-tier matches in the Croatian First League and held international arbitration status. His career included leading high-profile games such as the match between Istra 1961 and Šibenik on May 16, 2025, which ended in a 3-0 victory for Istra in Pula. Following his retirement from active refereeing, he remained connected to the sport through his work with VAR technology, which assists in making decisions during matches using video footage. Beyond his professional achievements, Pejin holds a master’s degree in economics and is a member of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ). Last year, he took on the position of director at Osijek Airport, adding another layer to his diverse career path. Despite these roles, the motive behind the attack remains unclear, and authorities have yet to identify the suspects. Eyewitness accounts describe the attackers as fully masked, with one wearing a motorcycle helmet and the other concealing their face with a mask. They reportedly used telescopic batons to strike Pejin repeatedly. A local resident noted that the attackers were likely aware of Pejin’s routine since he regularly runs along that route each morning. However, there is currently no evidence suggesting they had prior knowledge of his schedule or any connection to him personally. Local police have launched an investigation into the incident and are working to determine the identity of the attackers and the reason behind the assault. Authorities have not released further details about the case, emphasizing that the criminal investigation is ongoing. As the probe continues, officials are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in identifying those responsible for the violent act against a respected sports official. Residents of Wilsonova Street expressed shock at the severity of the attack, noting that Pejin appeared conscious after the incident and was able to speak with reporters shortly afterward. Some neighbors described the scene as chaotic, with the attackers fleeing quickly once disturbed by the sound of a car horn. Others mentioned that Pejin was known in the community for his dedication to both football and his new role at the airport. As the investigation progresses, the focus remains on uncovering the motive behind the attack. While no leads have been publicly disclosed, police are examining surveillance footage and speaking with witnesses to build a clearer picture of what transpired. For now, the community waits for answers, hoping that justice will be served for the man who has contributed significantly to Croatian sports over the years.

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5 reports

Jutarnji list logoJutarnji listIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 7516 days ago
Judge Tihomir Pejin, who was beaten up, has come forward.

A violent attack occurred against Tihomir Pejin, a referee and director of the Osijek Airport, who was assaulted by two masked individuals while running near the Gradski Vrt stadium in Osijek. The attackers used telescopic batons and struck him before fleeing when a car approached. Pejin, who has been working as a referee for 25 years, was taken to the hospital but his condition is not specified. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and police are investigating to identify the perpetrators. Local sports and business circles are puzzled by the incident, as there is no apparent explanation for the assault.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on a physical attack on a referee and airport director without taking a clear stance or showing bias toward any political side. It focuses on the event itself, the circumstances, and the lack of known motives, without emphasizing political implications or using biased language.

Why factuality (85): Accurate reporting based on police and 24sata sources. Confirms Pejin was attacked with telescopic bats, found unconscious, and taken to hospital. It also includes witness accounts and Pejin’s statement. It omits the primary source’s clarification about his condition and VAR duties.

Why objectivity (75): The article uses emotive language such as 'brutal attack' and focuses on the impact on the community. It presents the event in a dramatic manner rather than objectively.

Net.hr logoNet.hrIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 7516 days ago
Famous judge attacked in Osijek, two masked men beat him with sticks

A well-known figure, Tihomir Pejin, former long-time football referee and current director of Osijek Airport, was attacked early morning in Wilsonova Street in Osijek by two masked men. The attackers struck him with telescopic batons while he was running, causing minor injuries. According to police reports, the incident occurred around 7 AM when a 43-year-old man was found injured on the street. Pejin confirmed the attack to 24sata, stating he does not know why he was targeted or who the attackers were. Witnesses reported that one attacker was riding a motorcycle wearing a helmet, while the other wore a face mask and chased Pejin. The attack lasted only a few seconds before being interrupted by a passing car driver honking, prompting the attackers to flee. Pejin remained conscious after the attack and was taken to the hospital for examination. The motive behind the attack remains unknown, and the police investigation is ongoing.

Bias read (Center): The article provides a balanced account of the event without apparent ideological framing. It includes direct quotes from the victim and mentions his affiliations (e.g., HDZ membership), but does not take a stance on the incident's cause or implications. The focus is on factual reporting of the act,

Why factuality (85): Reports the incident accurately with details from police and 24sata. Includes witness accounts and Pejin’s statement. Omits the primary source’s clarification about his condition and VAR duties. Provides good contextual information about the location and time of the attack.

Why objectivity (75): The tone is somewhat sensational, using words like 'brutal' and focusing on the physical violence. It doesn’t maintain full neutrality in its presentation.

Jutarnji list logoJutarnji listIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 7516 days ago
A famous football referee was brutally beaten, beaten with sticks, found lying in the street.

A 43-year-old former football referee and current VAR official, Tihomir Pejin, was brutally attacked by two masked men while running his usual morning route in Wilsonova Street, Osijek. The incident occurred around 7:01 AM, and police were called to the scene where Pejin was found lying on the road. He was later transported to the Clinical Hospital Center Osijek. According to unofficial reports from 24sata, the attackers used telescopic batons and chased him after he was approached by one of them on a motorcycle. Neighbors reportedly intervened after a driver honked, causing the attackers to flee. The motive remains unknown, and a criminal investigation is ongoing.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of a violent attack without overtly politicizing the event. While the victim is a public figure due to his role as a sports referee, the focus is on the crime itself rather than any political implications. The reporting does not take a clear ideological stance,

Why factuality (85): Similar to item 0, this article provides accurate details from police and 24sata. It confirms Pejin was attacked with telescopic bats but omits the primary source’s clarification about his condition and future VAR duties. It also lacks direct quotes from the primary source.

Why objectivity (75): Same as item 0, the tone is emotionally charged, emphasizing the brutality of the attack and the public reaction. It doesn't present the situation in a balanced way.

Jutarnji list logoJutarnji listIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 7516 days ago
In Osijek, a famous football referee was brutally beaten with telescopic sticks.

A 43-year-old man named Tihomir Pejin, a former football referee and current VAR referee, was brutally attacked with telescopic batons by two masked individuals early Friday morning in Osijek, Croatia. The incident occurred on Wilsonova Street, where Pejin was found unconscious on the road. Local residents intervened after a driver honked to distract the attackers, allowing Pejin to be rescued. The police have confirmed the attack but have not yet disclosed details or the motive behind it. Pejin is known publicly for his long career in top-tier Croatian football refereeing and currently works as a VAR referee. He was recently appointed director of the Osijek Airport.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on a violent crime involving a sports official but does not take a stance on the event, nor does it frame the incident politically. It provides factual information without apparent bias or ideological emphasis.

Why factuality (85): Article reports the incident accurately based on police information and 24sata sources. It mentions Pejin was attacked with telescopic bats, found unconscious on the road, and taken to hospital. However, it does not mention the primary source document’s clarification that he suffered no serious inju

Why objectivity (75): The tone is somewhat sensationalist, using phrases like 'brutally beaten' and focusing more on the shock value of the attack rather than presenting it neutrally. There is some emotional language around the incident.

N1 Hrvatska logoN1 HrvatskaIndependentCenterFactual 80Objective 7016 days ago
After being beaten up, Peyin spoke up: "I don't know why I was attacked"

A 43-year-old man identified as Tihomir Pejin, a former football referee and current VAR official, was brutally attacked in Osijek early on Friday morning. He was found lying on the road by police, who provided immediate medical assistance and transported him to KBC Osijek for further treatment. Pejin confirmed to journalists from 24sata that he had been assaulted by unknown individuals but suffered no serious injuries. He expressed hope that the perpetrators would be identified by the police. Pejin has a background in economics, is a member of the HDZ party, and serves as director of Osijek Airport. He previously worked as a top-tier football referee for 25 years before transitioning to the VAR system.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of the assault without overtly politicizing the incident. While Pejin is mentioned as a member of the HDZ, this information is presented neutrally within the context of his personal background rather than as part of a broader political narrative. The focus is a

Why factuality (80): This article includes direct quotes from Pejin confirming the attack and his lack of serious injuries. It aligns with the primary source on his role as VAR and his current position at the airport. However, it adds extra background on his career and political affiliations not mentioned in the primary

Why objectivity (70): The article has a slightly more personal tone, including details about Pejin’s career and politics. While informative, it leans into narrative elements rather than maintaining strict neutrality.

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