LAID-OFF POLICEMEN HAVE BEEN PROTESTING FOR 500 DAYS IN ZAGREB

ZAGREB, Aug 1 (Hina) - The protest of a group of laid-off police officers, who have been protesting in St. Mark's Square, Zagreb, since they were dismissed from the police in March 2002, entered its 500th day. #L# This group of protesters is a part of 3,700 police officers fired from the police after the results of re-organisation of the Croatian interior ministry showed that there was a surplus workers. About 50 protesters insist on the re-employment in the police and on making the criteria applied for the dismissal of 3,700 police officers public. The protesters, who were police officers from eight police departments (namely eight counties), believe they were sacked from the police unfairly. At the start of their action, the protesters staged rallies in front of the government's office in the said square. After a few minor incidents and police interventions, they moved into the sacristy which is part of St Mark's Church where they are currently protesting. They held talks with the government, the Office of the President and the interior ministry on several occasions, but those negotiations were unsuccessful. The dismissed policemen took action against the interior ministry before the Administrative and Supreme Court. Last year, th Croatian parliament also asked competent bodies to reveal criteria used for the dismissal of surplus police officers, but no answer to this request has to date been given. The protesters say they were engaged in the defence of Croatia from the very start of the Homeland War and that their careers as police officers were spotless and that they have necessary education for that job. On the other hand, the interior ministry has said disciplinary actions have been initiated against those employees. According to the protesters' leader, Filip Lacic, their protest will continue until their demand is met, namely the public announcement of criteria for their dismissal. (hina) ms