C'est la punition qui menace l'homme qui a coupé la tête de la statue de Titus.

A man faces up to five years in prison after cutting off the head of a bronze statue of Josip Broz Tito in Velengrad last year. Miroslav Pačnik, who removed the head of the monument and transported it in his car's trunk, has been served with an indictment by the District Court in Celje. The charges stem from damaging or destroying items of special cultural significance under Article 219 of the Criminal Code. A fine of at least €11,254.50 is also proposed alongside potential imprisonment. Pačnik announced on social media that he had received the indictment from the District State Prosecution in Celje. According to documents he shared, the prosecution alleges that he committed the offense of damaging or destroying objects of special cultural value or natural worth under Article 219 of the Criminal Code. He noted that the indictment specifies a penalty under the first paragraph of Article 219, which carries a maximum prison term of five years. In addition, a minimum fine of €11,254.50 was suggested. “I have been handed an indictment regarding the damage or destruction of an object of special cultural importance,” Pačnik wrote. “The indictment proposes a penalty under Article 219-1 of the Criminal Code, which carries a potential prison sentence of up to five years. Additionally, a monetary penalty of at least...” Pačnik’s message included a link to a photo of the document. Following the receipt of the indictment, Pačnik described the process as ironic. He reiterated his stance toward the former Yugoslav president Josip Broz Tito, stating that he believed Tito restricted Slovenian culture and was responsible for the deaths of many Slovenian intellectuals. His actions were intended to draw attention to his criticism of the preservation of Tito monuments in Slovenia. At the time, he emphasized that he was aware he would face consequences for his actions. In early July, Pačnik used a saw to remove the head of the bronze statue of Josip Broz Tito in Velengrad. Police soon traced him down and found the severed head in the trunk of his car. After being apprehended, Pačnik stated that he had intentionally carried out the act to highlight his critique of maintaining Tito memorials in Slovenia. He acknowledged that he would be held accountable for his actions. Local authorities have expressed concern over the incident, with the mayor requesting the removal of the Tito memorial from public view following its defacement. The case has sparked debate over the historical legacy of Tito in Slovenia and the appropriateness of preserving monuments associated with the former Yugoslav leader. Some argue that such memorials should be removed due to their association with authoritarian rule, while others believe they represent an important part of national history. Pačnik’s legal proceedings will likely proceed through the courts, with the outcome depending on evidence presented during trial. His defense may focus on whether his actions constitute a criminal offense or if they can be classified as a form of protest against the continued veneration of Tito. Legal experts suggest that the court will consider the intent behind the act, the nature of the damage, and the cultural significance of the monument. The case could set a precedent for similar incidents involving historical statues and monuments in Slovenia.