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.
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