Chief State Attorney Ivan Turudić commented on the riots at the Varaždin-Hajduk match on RTL Danas, emphasizing that swift and certain punishments are more important than severe ones, and criticized the outgoing European Chief Prosecutor.
Chief State Attorney Ivan Turudić appeared on the show RTL Danas, where he addressed a range of current topics, from fan violence and the work of USKOK to relations with European Chief Prosecutor Laura Kövesi. His statements immediately drew attention, especially his sharp criticism of Kövesi, whom he said has been "leaving a trail of destruction" in recent months.
Commenting on the riots caused by Torcida in Varaždin yesterday, Turudić stressed that the severity of the punishment is not crucial. "I think the severity of the punishment is not decisive here. What matters more is that punishments are certain and swift," he said for RTL. He warned that the problem lies with the entire system, not just one fan group. "In our country, sanctions in both criminal and misdemeanor proceedings are not swift enough. If a procedure drags on for years, the punishment loses its meaning and deterrent effect," he added.
As an example of the sluggishness, he cited the major fan clash on the Zagreb-Split highway near Desinec ten years ago. "I'm not sure if that case was even prosecuted. I don't know what happened with it, and it's an event from ten years ago," Turudić admitted, noting that such cases can end up in statute of limitations, especially if they are treated as misdemeanors. The editorial team of Teleskop.hr noted that Turudić appeared "almost like a politician or political commentator," rather than someone decisively tackling the system, and that children watched the riots from the stands.
He confirmed that USKOK is conducting an inquiry into Hajduk and checking the club's documentation, explaining that it is a routine procedure. "Yes, we are doing that. An inquiry means a check. We may receive an anonymous tip, another report, or learn from the media that there are indications of irregularities. Then we come, examine, and see what's going on. We don't know where it will lead us," he said. When asked about a conflict of interest as a Hajduk fan, he replied: "No. I would act the same way towards Hajduk, Dinamo, or anyone else."
He also commented on recent short-term arrests, such as those of Željko Kerum, Dario Šimić, and Mile Kekin. "Some were arrested for half an hour or an hour," he said, adding that each case depends on specific facts and the need to secure evidence. Responding to MP Miletić's criticisms regarding the Hilton case, he said briefly: "I laugh. It's ridiculous."
Regarding the case of Vedran Pavlek, who is opposing extradition to Croatia in Kazakhstan, Turudić said he is using all available legal remedies. He is optimistic that extradition will be achieved "in due course." He added that the case involves about 120,000 documents, of which less than half have been processed.
In the investigation into waste disposal in Lika, where the Šincek couple is suspected, the expert assessment at the Faculty of Geotechnical Engineering has been completed. "The expert report is about 300 pages long, with an additional 50 pages of supplements. The report is not great, that much I can say. Lika is polluted in that area," Turudić stated. He added that he is ready to publish the report in the public interest, citing the Law on the State Attorney's Office.
He also spoke about the inquiry related to Costabella, where a 30-year concession was granted in 2015. "The issue is whether the hotel charges for beach access," he said, adding that everything is being checked and that claims of favoritism are "completely ridiculous."
His words about Laura Kövesi, the European Chief Prosecutor, attracted the most attention. "Ms. Kövesi has been leaving a trail of destruction behind her for the last two or three months. She gives interviews in which she attacks everyone. We haven't seen each other for six months, and I don't know what she's talking about. When we did meet, three times, each time she said our cooperation was fantastic and that there was a wonderful friendship between us. I don't know what's wrong with her," Turudić said.
He expressed confidence that cooperation with her successor, Minister Ritter, will be better. He also commented on the relationship with the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), saying that everything is being "mystified" because they deal with three types of criminal offenses, while the DORH covers 300. He added that EPPO has six delegated prosecutors, which is at the top of the EU per capita, and that the minister made a good decision not to approve additional ones.
He also noted that Croatia was ranked 12th in the European Commission's annual report on the rule of law, which he called "excellent." He particularly praised the laws on criminal procedure and the state attorney's office, as well as major corruption cases.
