The beaten airport manager is the latest judicial victim: Marić was beaten with sticks, he feared for his life

A former judge has become the latest victim of violent attacks linked to organized crime in Croatia, with reports indicating he was severely beaten by masked assailants wielding metal rods and other weapons. The incident occurred in Osijek, where Tihomir Pejin, a former referee in the top-tier football league and currently a VAR official, was attacked while dining at a restaurant in the city’s Wilsonova Street. According to police, the man was found injured early Monday morning and rushed to the Clinical Hospital Center in Osijek. Pejin confirmed he had been targeted by unknown individuals but stated he did not suffer serious injuries. He expressed uncertainty regarding the motive behind the attack and urged authorities to identify the perpetrators. The attack bears similarities to previous incidents involving high-profile referees. One such case took place in Stobreč, where Bruno Marić, a former first division referee, was ambushed during lunch with his lawyer, Vladimir Gredelj, following a court hearing in Split. A group of approximately ten masked individuals stormed the restaurant, armed with metal rods, boxing gloves, and parts of fire extinguishers. Marić recounted how the attackers suddenly entered the establishment, causing chaos among staff and patrons. He described receiving several heavy blows, emphasizing that the presence of restaurant employees and customers likely prevented a more severe outcome. Marić noted he carried a pistol with him at the time but chose not to use it. Staff managed to subdue one attacker before police arrived, and Marić was taken to emergency care with head and body injuries. Another notable case involves Ivan Bebek, widely regarded as one of Croatia's most respected referees within European contexts. After officiating a match between Hajduk and Lokomotiva at Poljud Stadium, Bebek left the venue with friends and headed to the Sinjska Disco Club Piccadilly. Verbal altercations erupted inside the club, prompting Bebek to seek assistance from security personnel. As he exited the club toward the parking lot, he was confronted by attackers who verbally abused him before launching a physical assault. They struck him from behind, knocking him to the ground and continuing to strike him until they fled. Colleagues from the Elite and First Group of Croatian Football Association referees issued a strongly worded statement condemning the cowardly act of the attackers. These incidents have raised concerns about the safety of officials in sports and legal professions, particularly those working in environments perceived as high-risk. While specific motives remain unclear, the pattern suggests a possible link to organized criminal groups operating in the region. Authorities continue to investigate these cases, aiming to uncover connections and bring perpetrators to justice. The attacks underscore the growing threat faced by public figures in Croatia, highlighting the need for enhanced security measures and legal protections. Pezin's ordeal has drawn attention to the vulnerability of individuals in positions of authority, especially those associated with high-profile events. His brief conversation with reporters emphasized his hope that law enforcement would swiftly identify and apprehend those responsible. Meanwhile, the broader community continues to await further developments in the ongoing investigations into these disturbing incidents.