Croatians in Igrane outrage over clash with Poles that killed 67‑year‑old Nikša Šodan, amid authorities’ inaction; local mayor warns further coexistence impossible.
Conflict with Poles in Croatia
According to Gazeta Wyborcza, the incident occurred during the night of 3 to 4 August in the town of Igrane. Two Poles aged 30 and 52 had organised a loud party that attracted the attention of a 68‑year‑old woman who attempted to speak with the organisers. When she did, the men pushed her so hard that she fell. Her 67‑year‑old brother Nikša Šodan rushed to help.
Death of the 67‑Year‑Old
During the brawl, Nikša Šodan fainted. A ambulance was summoned, but rescuers could not save him; the cause of death was cardiac failure. Police found the Poles had blood alcohol levels of 1.92 and 1.12 per mil, and they face charges of involuntary manslaughter, with potential sentences from six months to five years’ imprisonment.
Croatians Are Fed Up with Poles
According to reports from Dnevnik, residents of Igrane are outraged: “Igrane has lost its innocence because of this event,” said a resident Ante. It was reported that on the house where the Poles lived a sign appeared reading “F*ck off Polish murderers.” A protest was also organised under the banner “Justice for Nikša.” It turns out this was not the only incident, as police were called to the Poles at least 70 times in the past four years due to parties, threats, trespassing on other properties, and aggression.
Mayor Calls for Emigration
The mayor of Podgora, which lies on the Makarska Riviera just like Igr leave the town. “I would ask if possible to sell these houses, to leave Igrane, because there is no longer coexistence,” said Mayor Ante Miličić. “This is a small place, 200 metres from the coast, everyone lives together, life will almost not exist there, and people are bitter and justified.”
