Quoting unofficial sources, the Croatian media today reported that Israel had recently sent a negative answer to Croatia's request for the extradition of Hrvoje Petrac, a businessman sentenced to six years in prison for involvement in the kidnapping of General Vladimir Zagorac's son. The media have also linked Petrac to the alleged network of supporters of the runaway Hague tribunal indictee Ante Gotovina.
"We have received from the Ministry of the Interior a letter classified as an official secret regarding the warrant for the arrest of Hrvoje Petrac," Deputy Chief State Prosecutor Dragan Novosel told Hina, adding that this was the reason why he could not comment on the content of the letter.
According to the media, Petrac is hiding in Israel.
Vecernji List daily reported that the Justice Ministry, the Interior Ministry and the Chief State Prosecutor's Office had received from Israel a negative reply to Croatia's request for Petrac's transfer, but officials at the two ministries would not comment on the report.
Jutarnji List daily reported that the Israeli authorities were claiming that Petrac was not under their control, which did not mean that he was not on Israeli territory.