The Croatian Journalists’ Association (HND/CJA) calls on all journalists, whether members of CJA or not, to contact us if they find themselves targeted in any way by “Lex AP.” The CJA is committed to providing legal and any other necessary assistance. We will not be intimidated by any investigations conducted by the Zagreb Municipal State Attorney’s Office under the pretext of “reasonable suspicion of unauthorized disclosure of investigative or evidentiary actions.”

This pertains to investigations triggered by media reports on details from the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) investigation into the “Beroš–Petrač” affair. As far as we know, this is the first time actions are being taken under Article 307.a of the Criminal Code. It is noteworthy that the Zagreb Municipal State Attorney’s Office moved with remarkable speed following Prime Minister Andrej Plenković’s remarks. He labeled the publication of details from the investigation against former Minister of Health Vili Beroš as “unprecedented, unprecedented!” and deemed it a legal violation.

The CJA has repeatedly warned about the introduction of Article 307.a into the Criminal Code, highlighting its devastating implications for the public interest and the journalistic profession. In January this year, we organized a protest at St. Mark’s Square in Zagreb to oppose it. The introduction of “Lex AP” followed Prime Minister Plenković’s announcement in response to the public leak of a correspondence containing the initials “AP.”

Chief State Attorney Ivan Turudić did not seem concerned about investigating leaks when prominent HDZ members resigned before being arrested. However, he is now eager to investigate after media outlets published messages related to a healthcare scandal of immense public interest. This attack on the journalistic profession confirms what we have been saying all along: “Lex AP” was designed solely to silence critical voices and poses a direct threat to investigative journalism.

We emphasize that the recently published information is undeniably in the public interest, as it concerns corruption in the healthcare system—a system already burdened by numerous issues, from long waiting lists to the breakdown or lack of life-saving equipment, all of which directly affect citizens daily.

We express deep concern, as we believe the investigations by the Municipal State Attorney’s Office are targeting the media. This appears to be retaliation for exposing messages that implicate, as they suggest, the highest levels of state leadership in severe criminal activities.

We therefore ask the Prime Minister: Is it not unprecedented that someone under your personal trust is suspected of healthcare corruption? Another one of your chosen individuals? That, Mr. Plenković, is unprecedented. It is also unacceptable for the citizens of this country to witness individuals blatantly stealing public funds with the complacency of institutions. While such truths may be uncomfortable to hear, it is the media’s duty to report on them, ensuring that these thefts cannot occur unnoticed, as in this latest and most egregious case of robbery. We will not stand for it.