Mayor of Vis Attacked While Removing Biliba Café Terrace
Split Police arrested a 35-year-old; according to unofficial information, he is the brother of café owner Ana Kovač, and Mratinić sustained minor injuries.
Split Police arrested a 35-year-old; according to unofficial information, he is the brother of café owner Ana Kovač, and Mratinić sustained minor injuries.
The mayor of Vis, Hrvoje Mratinić (49), was attacked on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, in the morning hours while personally removing benches and cushions from the terrace of the Biliba catering establishment in the city center. According to available information, the attacker was soon arrested, and the mayor sustained minor physical injuries.
Sources differ on the exact time of the attack: N1 Croatia reports that the incident occurred at 7:50 AM, while 24sata states that the confrontation happened around 9:30 AM. Both media outlets confirm that the police responded quickly.
"A 35-year-old man was arrested shortly after, and a criminal investigation is underway. After a medical examination, it was determined that the attacked man sustained minor physical injuries."
According to local media reports, the attack was preceded by Mratinić's attempt to remove inventory from the terrace; however, whether this was the sole motive will be determined by the investigation.
Although the police have not publicly confirmed the suspect's identity, portal 24sata reports unofficial information that he is the brother of café owner Ana Kovač. The conflict between the city administration and the family running Biliba has been ongoing since Mratinić took office as mayor. On several occasions, the City of Vis has banned concerts organized by the café, which has also sparked debates on social media.
One Vis resident anonymously commented on the broader issue for Slobodna Dalmacija:
"The problem with illegal terraces and spaces occupied by cafés, restaurants, and other catering establishments is present throughout Vis. Even if they might have had ten or twenty percent excess, it's not logical for the mayor to come and handle it personally."
Another resident briefly added that citizens want order, but "not exactly in this way."
Mayor Mratinić has not been available for comment so far. More details are expected after the conclusion of the criminal investigation.
