Zagreb - On Friday, the Croatian Parliament observed a minute of silence in memory of three women murdered 25 years ago, on 22 September 1999, at the Municipal Court in Zagreb, as well as all other women victims of violence.
The Parliament Speaker stressed that the issue of violence against women remains painfully present in our society.
"I believe we will all continue to ensure that the fight against violence towards women receives the attention it deserves. This must truly be part of a broader societal effort, and I call on all of you to contribute to this cause," Jandroković said, addressing the members of Parliament.
He invited them to honour, with a minute of silence, the memory of the women murdered on that tragic day - Gordana Oraškić, Ljiljana Hvalec, and Hajra Prohić - as well as all other women victims of violence.
Jandroković recalled that Sunday, 22 September, Croatia marks the National Day of Combat Against Violence Towards Women, in memory of the tragedy that occurred 25 years ago at the Municipal Court in Zagreb. During the final stages of a divorce case, a man killed his wife, her attorney, and the judge, and severely injured the court clerk.
"That horrific act painfully reminded us how often violence against women originates within the family circle. Domestic violence takes many forms, including physical, psychological, sexual, and economic abuse. All forms are equally unacceptable and deserve the strongest condemnation," the Speaker stressed.
He pointed out that it is impossible to ignore the fact that violence against women is still painfully present in our society.
"We must not tolerate it, and this must guide the actions of all institutions involved in addressing this serious issue," Jandroković said, emphasizing the importance of investing in education and the prevention of violent behaviour.
"At the same time, we must always strive for the most effective implementation of all legally available mechanisms. If current measures prove insufficient to deter perpetrators, it is necessary to improve the legal framework," Jandroković added, highlighting the package of amendments to the Domestic Violence Protection Act, the Criminal Procedure Act, and the Penal Code passed by Parliament in March.
"This is a further demonstration of the clear political will to tackle this socially destructive challenge. This process requires the joint engagement of relevant state and public institutions, experts, and civil society. It must also include appropriate support for victims and witnesses of violence," he said.
"All of us who work in the public arena have a moral and political obligation to be a strong voice in condemning violence and any form of unacceptable behaviour," Jandroković concluded.