Zagreb County Court orders release of two suspects in Vjesnik fire

The Zagreb County Court has ordered the release of two 18-year-old suspects in the fire that gutted the Vjesnik Tower in Zagreb.

The suspects are currently in investigative custody but will be released once authorities confirm that their homes meet the conditions for house arrest. They are expected to be fitted with electronic ankle monitors to ensure compliance.

Ivan Orešković, a lawyer for one of the suspects, said the court’s decision is not final, as the state attorney’s office has the right to appeal.

All fifteen witnesses who were in the skyscraper during the fire have already been questioned.

The two suspects, both still in high school, are charged with endangering life and property by a dangerous act or means—a crime punishable by up to ten years in prison.

Police say the incident occurred on Monday, November 17, at around 9:50 p.m. The suspects reportedly jumped over a fence and entered the Vjesnik building. Investigators say they were accompanied by another minor and climbed to the 15th floor, where they were met by two others.

Authorities believe the first suspect started the fire by lighting a cardboard box filled with paper, while the second suspect allegedly spread the burning papers, accelerating the blaze.

The fire completely gutted the building, which is now awaiting demolition.