THREE SENIOR POLICE OFFICIALS FROM SIBENIK COUNTY DISMISSED

( Editorial: --> 6989 ) SIBENIK, Sept 11 (Hina) - Croatian Interior Minister Ivan Penic on Friday dismissed the Sibenik-Knin County police superintendent and two senior officials in the case of the death of Italian national Riccardo Cetina. Penic told reporters in Sibenik today that he dismissed county police superintendent Drago Matic, his deputy Goran Grguricin and police department head Ivica Simac. On September 2, seven police officers from Sibenik beat up Riccardo Cetina, a dentist from Genova, who died from injuries the following day in Split hospital. The policemen have been taken into custody and investigative proceedings against them have been initiated. Three senior officials in Sibenik's first police station were replaced. Cetina's death is the first case of its kind where police officers acted violently and has proved to be a real blow to the Interior Ministry, which "is known as one of the forerunners for Homeland freedom", Penic said. The Interior Ministry is determined not to let similar crimes happen again. The Constitution and laws must be the sole basis for police conduct, Penic said adding that the harshest measures would be taken against the perpetrators of similar crimes. Asked whether he felt personally responsible for the Cetina case, Penic answered affirmatively. "I and all of my co-workers stand at the disposal of the Government and the President," he said. "I do not believe that this case will result in any serious crisis in Croatian-Italian relations. However, in order to prevent this from happening, we are determined to investigate the tragic death of the Italian citizen to the full," Penic said. (hina) jn rml/sp 111422 MET sep 98