NDS ACCUSES POLICE OF ATTACKING PARTY OFFICIAL

ZAGREB, Nov 9 (Hina) - The leadership of the National Democratic Party (NDS) on Tuesday told reporters a party official Ivan Drvis was attacked and injured by three policemen in a raid carried out early Tuesday morning. The party leaders told reporters Drvis was attacked at 3 am after he requested to see the numbers on the policemen's badges during an identification procedure. NDS officials said the attack was a reply to Drvis's statement given last year that he was in possession of documents and video-tapes on high Interior Ministry officials receiving bribe as well as that it was aimed at exerting pressure on the party prior to the elections. The party will press charges against those responsible for the incident and ask that Interior Minister Ivan Penic resign. NDS president Nikola Stedul said he had been warning from the beginning about police raids in cafes and restaurants, which were part of a police operation dubbed "KOR", as well as about the way they were carried out. The Zagreb police spokesman Josip Begovic told in a phone conversation to Hina the police were informed about the incident and an investigation was carried out. Should Drvis's claims be confirmed, disciplinary measures will be taken, Begovic said. (hina) jn rml