POLICE ACTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW - INTERIOR MINISTRY

( Editorial: --> 3566 ) ZAGREB, Feb 20 (Hina) - The Croatian Interior Ministry on Friday said police had acted in accordance with the law by preventing protesters from rallying on Zagreb's main square and steering them toward Maksimir park, pursuant to a decision of the Zagreb city authority. "The police had not used any means of coercion," the Ministry said in a statement. Upon receiving the unions' application, the Zagreb Police Department did not issue the authorisation for the rally to be held on the main square, as it was contrary to the decision of the Zagreb city authority. Zagreb police had warned the organisers in writing that they were about to violate the Public Assembly Act, the Public Roads Act and the Road Safety Act. Interior Ministry personnel did not use force, even though one policeman was seriously wounded and was subsequently hospitalised, the Ministry said, adding that four policemen who had sustained slight injuries were given medical aid on the spot. According to information available to the Ministry, there were no injuries to civilians. (hina) jn as mb 202304 MET feb 98