Croatia: CFWIJ Condemns The Brutal Attack Against Tea Paponja

Location: Croatia, Zagreb
Date: July 3, 2021

24sata newspaper reporter Tea Paponja was physically assaulted in Marulic Square in Zagreb after the LGBTIQ+ Pride. The Coalition for Women In Journalism (CFWIJ) condemns the physical violence as well as this expression of hatred towards the LGBTIQ+ community. We demand Croatian officials apply criminal enforcement to the perpetrators. The journalists must do their job safely and freely.

Following the LGBTIQ+ Pride that took place on July 3, 24sata newspaper reporter Tea Paponja was physically assaulted by a woman in Marulic Square. When the journalist spotted a group that burns the LGBTIQ+ flag, she wanted to get information about the incident from the police officer. Despite showing her press credentials the police asked Tea to leave the area. After the warnings the journalist took pictures from distance however, she was soon verbally attacked by a man insulting her from the group shortly. The man questioned her about taking pictures and insulted her. After a while, a woman also was in the scene punching the journalist on the head. The journalist defended herself against the attack. Later, police separated both, removed attackers from the scene and detained the attacker.

After the attack, Tea Paponja stated the assault to the police and had an examination in the ambulance. According to Safe Journalist, Tea said, “I hope that the institutions will act according to the law and that the girl who attacked me will be convicted.”

The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns this vicious attack against Tea. We demand the perpetrators to be punished with criminal sanctions. The occupation of journalists is in the public interest, security forces are obliged to ensure journalists’ safety. Attacks are unacceptable. Journalists must do their jobs safely and freely.

The CFWIJ strongly condemns the police brutality against journalists. We demand the immediate return of the press cards seized from the security forces. Policies to intimidate journalists should be abandoned, and journalism should be practiced under the criteria of freedom of the press.

If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.