Ministry: Belgian on Vis must remove live electrical wire fencing off cove

A Belgian citizen who fenced off a cove on the island of Vis—where part of his house and access to the sea are located—using a live electrical wire must remove it immediately. A misdemeanor complaint has been filed against him for obstructing maritime domain, the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure announced on Thursday.

Officers from the Split Port Authority conducted an emergency inspection today of the maritime domain in the area of Vela Čavojnica cove on the island of Vis, covering an area of 120 square meters, immediately after learning about the violation of the provisions of the Maritime Domain and Seaports Act.

"An inspection by authorized officers of the Split Port Authority (Vis Branch Office), the maritime police, and a municipal warden from the Town of Vis determined that a live wire fence, approximately 160 centimeters high, had been installed on a section of the maritime domain on both the left and right sides of Vela Čavojnica cove, completely blocking access to the beach. Upon arrival for the inspection, the owner—a Belgian citizen—was found at the scene and was immediately ordered to remove the fence," the statement reads.

The Ministry added that, in his defense, the Belgian claimed he was unfamiliar with the laws of the Republic of Croatia and stated he would remove the wire fence immediately as ordered. The Split Port Authority will issue a written decision for the removal of the fence and will file a misdemeanor complaint for obstructing maritime domain.

Croatian media reported on the case earlier today, identifying the individual as Jan Fabre, a Belgian citizen from Antwerp. In addition to fencing off his own property, the fence was also placed on neighboring land that does not belong to him, as well as partially extending down to the sea, preventing citizens from accessing the water. Media reports noted that he is a theater director, visual artist, and writer.

Officials in the Town of Vis first learned about the incident from journalists, and following the publication of the article, multiple citizens called in, prompting municipal wardens to be dispatched to the site.

Source: HRT