Why Kerum Was Arrested: From Illegal Construction to the Feast of the Split Judges
The restaurant 'Pršut' owned by Željko Kerum in Kaštel Štafilić has been at the center of a major local political and construction scandal in Dalmatia, particularly in 2025 and 2026, after media raised questions about its legality and how it was legalized. In 2019, the Building Inspection determined that the structure was built without a permit on land classified as 'particularly valuable arable land,' and a court order for its removal was issued but never enforced. During the coronavirus pandemic in early 2021, a private celebration was held at the restaurant attended by several Split judges despite health regulations. In January 2023, a local official from the City of Kaštela signed a decision stating the structures existed before June 2011, which would have allowed for legalization, but satellite images show that parts like the pool, chapel, and upper floors did not exist at that time. Recent reports by Telegram revealed that Kerum continued expanding the complex on protected land and that the city issued a legalization decision that does not match the actual conditions on-site. These revelations sparked strong political reactions, especially since Andrija Polić, who signed the
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The restaurant 'Pršut' owned by Željko Kerum in Kaštel Štafilić has been at the center of a major local political and construction scandal in Dalmatia, particularly in 2025 and 2026, after media raised questions about its legality and how it was legalized. In 2019, the Building Inspection determined that the structure was built without a permit on land classified as 'particularly valuable arable land,' and a court order for its removal was issued but never enforced. During the coronavirus pandemic in early 2021, a private celebration was held at the restaurant attended by several Split judges despite health regulations. In January 2023, a local official from the City of Kaštela signed a decision stating the structures existed before June 2011, which would have allowed for legalization, but satellite images show that parts like the pool, chapel, and upper floors did not exist at that time. Recent reports by Telegram revealed that Kerum continued expanding the complex on protected land and that the city issued a legalization decision that does not match the actual conditions on-site. These revelations sparked strong political reactions, especially since Andrija Polić, who signed the
Bias read (Progressive): The article highlights illegal construction, corruption, and judicial misconduct involving high-profile individuals, including judges and politicians. The framing emphasizes the misuse of power and lack of accountability, suggesting systemic issues within local governance and the judiciary. The tone
Željko Kerum, a prominent local figure, fell from grace due to controversies surrounding his restaurant 'Pršut' in Kaštel Štafilić. The establishment became central to a major political and construction scandal in Dalmatia after media raised questions about its legality and how it was legalized. In 2019, the building inspection determined that the structure was constructed without proper permits on land classified as 'particularly valuable arable land,' leading to an order for its removal that was never enforced. In early 2021, during the pandemic, the restaurant hosted a private celebration attended by several Split judges, which led to police investigations and fines for violating health regulations. In 2023, a local official from the City of Kaštel, Andrija Polić, issued a decision recognizing the existing state of the buildings, but satellite images showed discrepancies, indicating parts of the structure did not exist at the time. By 2025, concerns over the restaurant’s compliance with technical requirements for hospitality operations emerged, and in May 2026, a Telegram investigation alleged that much of the complex was built illegally and later legalized through documentation
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of the controversy involving Željko Kerum and the restaurant 'Pršut', detailing various incidents and legal issues without overtly favoring any side. It includes multiple timelines and events, providing a balanced view of the situation.
Željko Kerum, bivši gradonačelnik Splita i političar, je uhićen u vezi s nekoliko građevinskih i finansijskih krivičnih djelata. Među najznačajnijim su nelegalna gradnja njegovog restorana 'Pršut' u Kaštelima, gdje je građevinska inspekcija već ranije utvrdila nelegalnu gradnju, a Kerum je dalje razvio poslovni projekt bez isprave. Također je uključen službenik Andrija Polić, koji je dao dokument koji je omogućio legalizaciju nelegalnih zgrada. Daljnji pregled pokazao je da je Kerum sagradio luksuzni hotel 'Perla' u Rogoznici, gdje je ilegalno gradnja prekršila pomorsko dobro, koje je kasnije založio kao jamstvo za velike kredite. Ove aktivnosti su bile moguće zbog dugotrajne propuste Državnog odvjetništva u zaštiti javnih dobara.
Bias read (Progressive): The article presents detailed evidence of illegal activities by a prominent politician, focusing on his misuse of public resources and corruption. The tone is critical of Kerum’s actions and highlights systemic failures in governance, which aligns with a left-leaning perspective emphasizing social正义
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