The confirmed indictment against two 18-year-olds accused of setting fire to the Vjesnik building has brought renewed attention to the incident that occurred in mid-November of last year. According to information shared by attorney Petar Barbir, the Municipal Criminal Court in Zagreb has officially approved the charges against the two young men. The indictment was filed in February of this year and accuses them of committing a serious crime against public safety. According to the charges, the two individuals set fire to the Vjesnik building on November 17, 2025, as part of a prior agreement. One of the accused allegedly lit a cardboard box filled with paper, while the other ignited the paper from the box and then placed it back into the cardboard container. This act led to the rapid spread of flames, resulting in a fire that engulfed multiple floors of the structure, which was completely destroyed. The prosecution claims that this caused significant material damage.
The indictment also notes that the state prosecutor has recommended extending the investigation detention of both suspects due to concerns about the possibility of repeating such criminal behavior. Both 18-year-olds were released from investigative custody at the end of December and placed under house arrest with the requirement to wear electronic ankle monitors. Police reports indicate that the youths jumped over the fence surrounding the skyscraper located on Slavonska Avenue around 21:50 on November 17, entered the building, and started the fire on the 15th floor. It is also mentioned that they were accompanied by three minors at the time. Media outlets have reported that four additional minors who were inside the Vjesnik building shortly before and after the fire have been identified as witnesses.
The Vjesnik skyscraper, once a prominent feature of Zagreb's skyline along Slavonska Avenue, now stands in a drastically altered form following the fire. Recent photographs and videos show the building entering a new phase of collapse. After the northern and eastern sides of the structure had already been largely demolished down to their lowest levels, only a narrow, irregular section remains standing, resembling a loose tooth protruding into the air. This remaining portion of the building now dominates the view from a distance, no longer resembling the towering skyscraper that Zagreb residents had known for decades.
The silhouette of Vjesnik has changed significantly since its construction. Most of the structure has already been removed, and the remaining parts are currently being dismantled from the western and southern sides, which face Savska Street and Odranska Street. The demolition process continues in a controlled manner, without collapsing the entire structure all at once. Machines gradually remove sections of the building, one floor at a time, reducing the remaining part of the skyscraper day by day. As a result, the classic outline of the building is no longer visible on the construction site, replaced instead by the remnants of the structure that remain during the final stages of removal.
In the area where the Vjesnik building once stood, the focus has shifted to the western and southern sides of the complex. These areas are currently undergoing the main phase of work, while the lower floors will be addressed later. The ongoing demolition efforts reflect the careful planning required to manage such a large-scale project safely and efficiently.
Meanwhile, another fire broke out in an abandoned warehouse within the former Sljeme factory complex in Sesvete. The warehouse contained waste materials, and local residents have expressed concern over the frequency of similar incidents in the area. Some residents claim that children are responsible for these fires, stating that there are reportedly between four to five juveniles involved who have evaded capture. One resident noted that the fires might be related to tires, given that the location near the entrance used to be home to a company dealing with automobiles. The smell of burning rubber has been detected in the area following recent fires, adding to the unease among the local population. Authorities continue to investigate the causes behind these incidents, seeking to address the growing concerns of the community.
19 reports
Novi listIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 9020 days agoThe municipal criminal court in Zagreb has confirmed the indictment against two 18-year-olds accused of setting fire to the Vjesnik skyscraper in mid-November of last year. According to the indictment, the suspects allegedly set fire to cardboard boxes filled with paper, which led to the rapid spread of flames and significant damage to the building. The prosecution has requested an extension of their pre-trial detention due to concerns about potential repeat offenses. Both suspects were released from pretrial detention at the end of December into house arrest with electronic monitoring.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about a legal case without apparent ideological framing. It reports on the confirmation of an indictment, details of the alleged crime, and procedural steps taken by authorities. There is no evident bias in language, sourcing, or emphasis.
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 90): The article provides detailed information about the confirmed indictment, including dates, actions attributed to the suspects, and legal procedures. All details align with the cross-source consensus. The tone remains mostly neutral, though some phrases like 'terete' may imply judgment.
tportalIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 8523 days agoStarting Tuesday morning, traffic will once again be able to pass through the underpass near the Vjesnik building on Slavonska Avenue in Zagreb. The temporary traffic regulation imposed over the past 12 days will be removed during the night, with the underpass expected to reopen around 3 AM. Workers from the City of Zagreb began removing the temporary traffic measures around midnight. The delay in construction was caused by a malfunctioning excavator involved in demolishing part of the Vjesnik skyscraper. According to estimates from the construction site, removing the signage and preparing the
Bias read (Center): The article reports on infrastructure updates related to traffic management in Zagreb. It provides factual information about the removal of temporary traffic regulations and the progress of construction work at the Vjesnik skyscraper. There is no political framing, bias, or ideological emphasis in
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 85): Detailed and timely report on the reopening, including quotes from officials and specifics on the process. Balanced and factual, with minimal editorializing.
N1 HrvatskaIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 7520 days agoThe Zagreb Municipal Criminal Court's indictment against two 18-year-olds accused of setting fire to the Vjesnik building in mid-November 2025 has been confirmed. According to the indictment, the suspects set fire to paper-filled cardboard boxes inside the building, leading to a rapid spread of flames and significant damage. The prosecution requested an extension of their pre-trial detention due to concerns about potential repeat offenses. Both suspects were released from pretrial detention at the end of December into house arrest with electronic monitoring.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual details of the legal process without apparent ideological framing. It reports on the confirmed indictment, the nature of the alleged crime, and procedural steps taken by authorities, without showing clear bias toward either the defendants or the prosecution.
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 75): Accurately reports on the confirmed indictment against the two teenagers involved in the fire. Consistent with other sources on legal proceedings and police statements. Objectivity slightly compromised by focus on criminal aspect.
Večernji listIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 8523 days agoThe reconstruction of a major overpass in Zagreb's Sesvet area began on Sunday, with Monday being the first day testing the new traffic regulation. Despite initial concerns among residents about potential traffic chaos, the flow was reported to be significantly better than expected. Many drivers reportedly followed alternative routes, avoiding congestion. Local officials had warned of possible protests due to the disruption.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on infrastructure changes and public reaction without taking a clear ideological stance. It presents resident concerns and outcomes objectively, without favoring any political perspective or using biased language.
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 85): Provides official announcement about infrastructure works and temporary traffic measures. Matches cross-source information on project scope and timeline. Balanced and informative without bias.
Jutarnji listIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 8524 days agoThe demolition of the Vjesnik skyscraper continues with a 52-meter crane back in operation. The demolition began today around 11 AM. According to Minister Branko Bačić's announcements, most of the work should be completed today, and Slavonska Avenue is expected to reopen to traffic tomorrow.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on the ongoing demolition of the Vjesnik skyscraper, focusing on logistical details such as the crane being used and the timeline for completing the project. There is no evident ideological framing, loaded language, or biased sourcing. The content is factual and neutral in tone.
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 85): Updates on demolition progress and potential reopening of Slavonska Avenue. Consistent with other reports on repair efforts and timeline estimates. Neutral tone throughout.
HRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija)State / PublicCenterFactual 85Objective 8020 days agoThe Zagreb Municipal Criminal Court's indictment against two 18-year-olds accused of setting fire to the Vjesnik skyscraper in mid-November of last year has been confirmed. According to the indictment, the suspects set fire to paper filled in a cardboard box, which led to the rapid spread of flames and significant damage to the building. The prosecution requested an extension of their pre-trial detention due to concerns about potential repeat offenses. Both suspects were released from pretrial detention at the end of December into house arrest with electronic monitoring.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a legal proceeding involving a criminal case related to a fire at a cultural institution. It presents facts from the indictment and includes details provided by the prosecution without apparent bias or subjective commentary. There is no indication of ideological framing or slm
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 80): Clear and concise update on the reopening of the underpass, with specific times and progress reports. Maintains a neutral and factual tone throughout.
HRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija)State / PublicCenterFactual 85Objective 8024 days ago The Vjesnik building could have been demolished as early as the beginning of JulyThe demolition of the Vjesnik building has resumed after a large excavator was repaired, which had caused a week-long halt in construction work.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on the resumption of demolition work at the Vjesnik building without taking a stance or using biased language. It focuses on logistical details rather than political implications.
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 80): Article provides detailed updates on the demolition process, including timelines and traffic regulations. It references HRT reporter Silvana Skočajić, aligning with cross-source consensus on construction progress. Slightly subjective in emphasizing urgency but remains factual.
Net.hrIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 8025 days agoThe article discusses ongoing developments related to the demolition of Vjesnik, with a focus on when Slavonska Avenue will open, as reported by the supervising engineer.
Bias read (Center): The headline mentions technical details regarding construction and infrastructure without overtly favoring any political stance. The lack of explicit ideological language or biased framing suggests neutrality.
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 80): Repeats information from earlier articles about the fire incident and legal proceedings. Slightly less detailed than others but maintains consistency with cross-source data. Objective in nature.
HRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija)State / PublicCenterFactual 85Objective 7525 days ago Continued collapse of the Vespasian, traffic normalization on Monday nightThe demolition of the Vjesnik skyscraper in Zagreb has resumed after a multi-day halt caused by a malfunctioning large excavator. Experts from the Netherlands have participated in repairing the key machine, and work has restarted today in the afternoon. If everything proceeds according to plan, traffic regulation on Slavonska Avenue, one of Zagreb's busiest roads, could return to normal by the beginning of the week.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on infrastructure and construction activities without any political commentary, framing, or biased language. It focuses on technical details and logistics of the project, with no mention of political figures, parties, or ideological perspectives.
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 75): Provides detailed visual updates on the demolition progress, including phases and areas being worked on. Maintains a neutral tone, focusing on facts without bias.
Telegram.hrIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 7526 days agoThe opening of Slavonska Avenue, previously scheduled, has been delayed due to a malfunctioning excavator from a week ago.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a delay in infrastructure work without taking a stance or using biased language. The subject is non-political (infrastructure project), and the content is neutral.
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 75): Offers clear information on the status of the demolition, equipment repair, and expected timeline. Maintains a balanced and informative tone without overt bias.
Telegram.hrIndependentCenterFactual 80Objective 9020 days ago Confirmed charges against teenagers who set fire to the Herald, awaiting trial in house arrestThe indictment against two 18-year-olds who set fire to the Vjesnik building has been confirmed by the Municipal Criminal Court in Zagreb. The accused are charged with a serious crime against public safety. According to the indictment, the fire started on November 17, 2025, when one suspect lit a cardboard box filled with paper, and the second suspect lit paper from the box and returned it to the box, causing rapid spread of the fire. The fire destroyed multiple floors of the building, resulting in significant material damage. Both suspects were released from investigative detention into house
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a legal proceeding involving criminal charges without apparent ideological framing. It presents facts from the indictment and court process without overtly favoring any side.
Why these scores (Factual 80 · Objective 90): Describes reconstruction work on the overpass with quotes from residents. Neutral tone and balanced reporting on public concerns and outcomes. Minor factual gaps in details about specific plans.
N1 HrvatskaIndependentCenterFactual 80Objective 8525 days ago Continued demolition of the Vespasian, here when the Slavonic could openThe demolition of the Vjesnik skyscraper in Zagreb has resumed after a multi-day halt due to a malfunctioning large excavator.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a construction-related event without any political commentary, framing, or biased language. It focuses on the resumption of demolition work following a technical issue.
Why these scores (Factual 80 · Objective 85): Focuses on technical aspects of equipment repair and demolition progress. Provides specific details matching other sources. Maintains objective tone despite technical complexity.
N1 HrvatskaIndependentCenterFactual 80Objective 8526 days ago Get ready for the new crowds: From tomorrow, jobs and new traffic regulations to more locations in ZagrebStarting June 13th and throughout July, construction work will begin at several locations in Zagreb, affecting traffic regulation, tram infrastructure, water supply, and gas networks.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on upcoming infrastructure projects in Zagreb without taking a stance or showing bias. It provides factual information about planned construction and traffic changes without editorializing or emphasizing any particular viewpoint.
Why these scores (Factual 80 · Objective 85): Reports on ongoing demolition with ministerial comments and visual descriptions. Aligns with other accounts on progress and environmental impact. Maintains neutrality in describing events.
Net.hrIndependentCenterFactual 80Objective 7523 days ago More than half of the Vjesnik is gone! They're raising a protective curtain, but the good news comes at three in the morningThe temporary traffic regulation on Slavonska Avenue near the Vjesnik building has been removed during the night, with the underpass expected to reopen around three in the morning. Workers from the City of Zagreb began removing the regulation at midnight, and the work was delayed by eight days due to equipment failure. The asphalt remains undamaged despite construction activities, and cleanup efforts will continue into the evening.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on infrastructure updates related to traffic management and construction without taking a stance on any political issue. It provides factual information about the removal of a temporary road closure and includes quotes from officials and reporters without apparent bias.
Why these scores (Factual 80 · Objective 75): The article provides factual updates on the reopening of the underpass and the progress of demolition work. It maintains a neutral tone while reporting on the situation.
Jutarnji listIndependentCenterFactual 80Objective 7025 days ago Total collapse in Zagreb, the queue stretches all the way to Črnomerc: We have a list of all the works...Zagreb is experiencing significant traffic congestion on the first day of the new summer traffic regime. The main issue is the construction work at the Črnomerec interchange, which has caused a long traffic queue stretching to Črnomerc. The article lists all the ongoing works affecting traffic in the city.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual report on traffic congestion in Zagreb, focusing on the causes (construction work at the Črnomerec interchange) and the impact (long traffic queues). There is no evident bias in language, sourcing, or framing. The tone is neutral and informative, without editorializing or emphasizing one perspective over another.
Why these scores (Factual 80 · Objective 70): Reports on ministerial statements regarding the reopening of Slavonska Avenue, mentions equipment issues, and provides timeline expectations. Neutral tone, though slightly more focused on official statements.
Jutarnji listIndependentCenterFactual 70Objective 6019 days ago All that's left of the Herald is a toothbrush.The article describes the ongoing demolition of the Vjesnik skyscraper in Zagreb, noting that most of the structure has been removed, leaving only a narrow section resembling a 'wobbly tooth.' The demolition continues controlled, with machinery removing parts of the building floor by floor.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual description of the demolition process without taking a stance or using biased language. It focuses on the visual changes to the skyline and the methodical nature of the construction work, without any political commentary or ideological framing.
Why these scores (Factual 70 · Objective 60): Focuses on traffic congestion due to construction, but includes some relevant details about the demolition. Tone leans towards reporting on local impact rather than staying strictly objective.
Index.hrIndependentCenterFactual 65Objective 5520 days agoThe municipal criminal court in Zagreb has confirmed the indictment against two 18-year-olds accused of setting fire to the Vjesnik building in mid-November of last year. The indictment, filed in February of this year, charges them with a serious crime against public safety. According to the indictment, one suspect lit a cardboard box filled with paper, while the other lit paper from the box and then returned it to the box, causing the fire to spread rapidly and destroy multiple floors of the building. The prosecution has requested an extension of the investigation detention due to concerns of
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about legal proceedings without overtly favoring any side. It reports on the confirmed indictment, details of the alleged actions, and the legal measures taken by authorities. There is no evident framing that leans toward either a liberal or conservative bias
Why these scores (Factual 65 · Objective 55): Repeats much of the content from article 5, with similar focus on legal aspects. Tone remains somewhat sensationalized and less objective compared to others.
HRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija)State / PublicCenterFactual 60Objective 5026 days ago From Saturday's work and new traffic regulations to more locations in ZagrebStarting from June 13th and throughout July, construction work will begin on several locations in Zagreb, including traffic intersections, tram infrastructure, water, and gas networks. Temporary traffic regulations will be implemented as announced by the Office of the Mayor, along with a list of major projects.
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual information about upcoming infrastructure projects and temporary traffic changes in Zagreb without any apparent ideological framing or biased language. It does not take a stance on the projects or their implications, merely relaying official announcements.
Why these scores (Factual 60 · Objective 50): Primarily focuses on legal proceedings related to the fire, with less emphasis on the current demolition status. Contains some subjective language around the incident.
Net.hrIndependentCenterFactual 50Objective 3024 days ago The northern part of Vjesnik is disappearing soon, but drivers are only interested in one questionThe article discusses ongoing construction work at Vjesnik, noting that by Monday evening, the northern side of the building will no longer be visible. It raises questions about when the Slavonska Avenue underpass will open to traffic and when the demolition work will be completed.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on infrastructure updates and does not take a stance on any political issue. The content is neutral and factual, providing information about construction timelines without editorializing or biased language.
Why these scores (Factual 50 · Objective 30): The article contains only a video link and vague references to ongoing demolition work. It lacks specific details about the event, timelines, or outcomes. The tone is informal and promotional, lacking neutrality.
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