ZAGREB POLICE REFUTE CLAIMS ON ORGANISED CRIME

( Editorial: --> 4483 ) ZAGREB, Jan 14 (Hina) - The head of the Zagreb police, Jakob Bukvic, on Wednesday refuted a statement made yesterday by Ibrahim Dedic, owner and director of Promdei Bank, who told the media that organised crime had tried to kill him. An unknown person fired a shot at Dedic in front of his bank's building in Zagreb Monday evening, wounding him in the nape. According to Bukvic, Dedic's statement gives people the impression there exist organised criminal gangs going around blackmailing and killing innocent people which the Zagreb police denies. Bukvic's deputy Vladimir Faber pointed out police believed the motive for the attempted murder of Dedic should be looked for in Dedic's business and lifestyle. Fifty-six criminal charges have been pressed against Dedic over the last few years, Faber said, adding all legal measures would be taken to find the attacker. Earlier today, Dedic gave a press conference in his room at Rebro Hospital in Zagreb. He requested police protection and if the police were unable to do so, he requested that his people be allowed to discover the attacker. (hina) ha mm 142005 MET jan 98