Four questioned over Nazi demonstration by Torcida in Split, 14 reported
The State Prosecutor's Office in Split has questioned four suspects over incitement to violence and hatred at a Torcida demonstration. Police are reviewing footage and searching for others.
Prosecution questioning: four suspects for Nazi demonstration in Split
Four suspects were questioned on Saturday at the State Prosecutor's Office in Split on suspicion of the criminal offence of public incitement to violence and hatred, according to 24sata. The incident occurred during a Torcida demonstration towards Poljud, ahead of a match between Hajduk and Ajax, when certain supporters praised Hitler and Auschwitz and chanted antisemitic slogans.
Following the questioning, the prosecution will decide whether to propose investigative detention. This decision is then made by the investigating judge of the County Court in Split.
The lawyer of one of the suspects, Toni Marinković, stated that his client was a middle-aged man from Split and was not a member of Torcida's leadership, according to Večernji list. Marinković added: "It is up to the competent institutions to establish who sang in what manner, what exactly was sung and in what context, whether it was sung towards particular ethnic minorities or something else."
According to unofficial information from Dalmatinski portal, a report for the criminal offence of public incitement to violence or hatred will cover a total of 14 people.
Three supporters were already arrested on Friday, and a criminal investigation is being conducted against them on the basis of Article 325 of the Criminal Code. According to that law, the threatened sentence is up to three years in prison, and up to five years for organisers. 24sata confirmed that one of the arrested Torcida supporters was on temporary leave from prison at the time of the incident.
Police continue to review security camera footage and search for those who chanted the slogans that have provoked condemnation throughout the civilised world.
Prime Minister Andrej Plenković commented on the incidents earlier this week: "This is objectively a great shame for those who did it and who will be held accountable. The police are acting. I expect the courts to respond given everything that has happened, and also the hate speech itself, which is unacceptable and extraordinary."
Source: 24sata