Trial begins for 19-year-old accused in Prečko Elementary School attack

The trial of a 19-year-old charged with killing a child at Prečko Elementary School in Zagreb has officially begun.

On December 20 last year, the attacker, whose name is being withheld, entered the school armed with a knife, targeting students and teachers. A seven-year-old child was killed, three others were injured, and a teacher who tried to intervene was seriously wounded.

The former student, who has a history of mental health treatment, appeared in court on Wednesday under heavy security and in shackles. The Zagreb County Court has closed the proceedings to the public to protect the child victims and their families.

“The trial will be sealed off from the public in order to protect the child victims in this case. Under the facts presented in the indictment, there are 54 of them. They are all extremely young and need to be fully protected from any additional trauma that could affect their psychological and physical development,” said Iva Gradiški Lovriček, president of the Zagreb County Court Judicial Council.

The defendant’s attorney, Miroslav Vlašić, expressed concern over the full closure:

“We opposed sealing off the trial from the public completely, favoring a partial approach. We believe that certain matters in which underage witnesses are not involved can be presented publicly.”

An attorney representing the victims’ families emphasized the hope for a swift trial and verdict.

The case has drawn widespread attention in Croatia, highlighting concerns over school safety.