Minister comments on suspended sentence for violent migrant

Justice Minister Damir Habijan said on Wednesday that a suspended sentence handed to a 33-year-old Moroccan national for attacking a policewoman in Zagreb sends a bad message and undermines public trust in the judiciary.

Speaking about the ruling, Habijan said such decisions reinforce an already negative perception of the courts.

"Regarding this decision, I will say that it is not good when a negative perception of the judiciary is created based on such decisions, and as the minister that bothers me. This is one example of how that negative perception is reinforced, and that is not good. As Damir Habijan, someone who lives in this country, I can say that this is not a good message. However, these are the small exceptions that affect the overall perception of the judiciary. Ninety-nine percent of those in the judiciary are professionals who do their jobs very well, but that is what's expected," said the minister.

He stressed he respects the independence of the courts, but warned that rulings like this can fuel public criticism and negative narratives.

Habijan acknowledged he was “crossing the Rubicon” as a member of the executive by commenting on a judicial decision, but said the broader impact on public perception cannot be ignored.

The police union also criticised the verdict, saying it sends a poor message about the protection of officers, a reaction Habijan said he understands.

Commenting on inconsistent case law, the minister noted such issues exist and highlighted the role of the Supreme Court in ensuring uniform legal practice.

On Tuesday, the Zagreb Municipal Criminal Court handed the 33-year-old a suspended sentence with a five-year probation period for attacking a policewoman at the Zagreb Bus Station. He was released from pretrial detention, where he had been held since June 30 last year, and was ordered to undergo mandatory addiction treatment.