A group of Poles unintentionally caused the death of 67‑year‑old Nikša Šodan in Igrane, Croatia. Investigators find one accused is the son of a wealthy businessman who asserts his innocence.
Poles Arrested in Croatia
Two Poles were detained in Croatia on charges of involuntary manslaughter of 67‑year‑old Nikša Šodan. A judge ordered their arrest, police spokesperson Antonela Lolić from PU Split‑Dalmatia told Fakt. Reporters found one of the men is the son of a wealthy businessman, Janusz F, who runs a window manufacturing company in Silesia. The man owns five properties in this part of Croatia – one in Strážnice and four in Igrane. The fatal altercation occurred last night of the 3‑4 August sleep over at the third property where his son was involved.
Who Started the Brawl?
“Those people were aggressive toward my son, they provoked the confrontation. They threw bottles at him. He had to defend himself. He is the victim,” Janusz F said in an interview with Fakt. Residents, however, claim that Nikša Šodan avoided conflicts. Croatian police told Index that until the Poles were detained there were no calls concerning their behavior.
Death of Nikša Šodan
The men, aged 30 and 52, were planning a loud party that drew attention from their 68‑year‑old neighbour. She decided to talk to the Poles about it. According to Fakt, the party participants were told to hop over a wall and then attacked the woman. Her brother, Nikša Šodan, intervened and was struck on the chest, causing a heart attack (he had undergone a bypass procedure). A moment later the 67‑year‑old fainted. Noviny reported that the Poles attempted to administer first aid and called rescuers, but they could not save him.
Croatians Are Upset
The incident sparked outrage among residents who expressed a strong dislike for the Poles. A sign reading “W***ie Polish murderers” appeared on the building wall in English. Many suggest that Polish tourists and residents often disturb the peace of Croatians. Over the past four years, at least 70 complaints involving Poles have reached the police, the Index protest organizer noted. The protest erupted after the death of Croatian Diana Šimac Materić.
