No comment was also available from Kirin and his lawyer Visnja Drenski-Lasan on media speculations that during yesterday's questioning he admitted to have followed instructions of former Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) treasurer and customs administration chief Mladen Barisic on the conclusion of HRK 15 million deals with Fimi Media, owned by Barisic's close friend Nevenka Jurak. According to media reports, Barisic referred to the then Prime Minister Ivo Sanader when trying to ensure jobs for Fimi Media.
For several months, USKOK has been investigating Fimi Media operations jobs, including its cooperation with several state companies and agencies. This private marketing company is suspected of syphoning off money from them through rigged tenders for contracts.
Jurak and her associate have been in detention since mid-August.
Barisic was placed in custody last week,
According to media speculations, Barisic may activate his mandate in the national parliament which he froze when he stepped into office of the customs administration's chief.
In the event of the activation of his parliamentary mandate, Barisic would be released and the prosecutors would be forced to ask the parliament a permission for the continuation of criminal proceedings and for his detention,
Barisic's lawyer Ante Madunic said today that his client had not yet decided to ask to take his seat in the parliament.
"The deadline by which Barisic can do that expires tomorrow. We are still mulling what to do. However, it is more likely that he will not do it as we regard that it would be better for his further status in the proceedings," the lawyer said.