INVESTIGATING JUDGE REJECTS REQUEST THAT PROBE BE LAUNCHED IN 'GRUPO AFFAIR'

ZAGREB, March 16 (Hina) - A Zagreb County Court investigating judge on Friday refused a request by the prosecution that an investigation be launched against five persons involved in the 'Grupo affair,' judging there was no founded suspicion that they committed a criminal act of conspiracy with the aim of establishing a monopoly over the Croatian media market. The investigation against the five 'Grupo' suspects - Miroslav Kutle, Ninoslav Pavic, Vinko Grubisic, Drazen Mandic and Juraj Hrvacic - was requested in mid-January this year by the State Prosecutor's Office for Zagreb County, due to suspicion that they conspired, by establishing a company called 'Grupo,' to gain control of the majority of the electronic media and press in Croatia. Their ultimate goal, the prosecution claims, was to obtain a national television concession. Also, the prosecution suspected Kutle of abuse in business operations, i.e., the establishment of an illegal fund from which, via third persons, he illegally bought existing and established new, mostly electronic media. Investigating judge Kresimir Devcic today expressed disagreement with the prosecution's request judging there was no founded suspicion that the suspects had been establishing a monopoly. At the same time, he launched an investigation against Kutle for having had an illegal fund. Since investigating judges cannot reject an investigation request but only voice their disagreement, a final decision will be made by the Zagreb County Court, and the parties can appeal against that decision with the Supreme Court. (hina) sb rml