Split Records the First Victim of Swine Flu in Croatia

Croatia, October 31 (CD) – The first swine flu victim in Croatia is a 61-year-old man who died at the hospital intensive care unit in the coastal city of Split.

The man was admitted to hospital suffering from flu symptoms at the start of October and died of complications at midday on Saturday.

The doctors confirmed that swine flu was to be blamed for the death.

A swine flu epidemic has been declared in the Split and Damlatia county after many cases have been recorded in the area and even a private secondary school closed.

Austrian Tourist Dies while Touring Croatia’s Capital’s Sights

Croatia, October 31 (CD) – A 75-year-old Austrian tourist suffered a heart attack while touring Zagreb’s open air market in the city centre with a group of tourists from Austria.

The man died before the emergency services managed to reach him.

The tourist’s body was taken to the Zagreb morgue.

Missing Polish Climber Found Dead on a Hill near Omis

Croatia, October 30 (CD) – The mountain search and rescue team has found the body of Polish climber Tomasz Trszok who went missing on Tuesday,

Trszok was climbing the Imber hill near Omis when he split from the group of friends and carried on on his own.

Despite being a seasoned climber who had been in Omis before, Trszok obviously had an accident the type of which will be determined by an investigation.  

Government Sets Presidential Elections for December 27

Croatia, October 30 – At Friday’s government conference the cabinet decided that the upcoming presidential elections would be held on December 27, while a run-off, if there happens to be one would be held on January 10.

The decision will be officially published on Wednesday, November 4 and presidential candidates will have until November 16 to gather 10,000 candidature signatures for their candidature to become valid. The signatures will be handed to the State Electoral Commission.

The presidential campaigns begin on November 18.

Economy Minister Polancec Stands down amid Podravka Concern Scandal

Croatia, October 30 (CD) – The Economy Minister and deputy Prime Minister Damir Polancec stepped down from his post on Friday morning announcing his decision at a press conference.

Polancec told reporters that he had stepped down rather than representing a burden to PM Jadranka Kosor and the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) party she is heading.

The decision comes after Polancec was accused of having been involved in moves which would have allowed Podravka food concern managers to acquire shares of the company using the companies own money.

He is also believed to have provided the managers with inside information.

It is now to be seen who is to become Polancec’s successor.

OAP Fights for Life after Being Savaged by Two Pit Bull Terriers

Croatia, October 27 (CD) – A 71-year-old man was savaged on Tuesday morning by two pit bull terriers in Zagreb.

The OAP was immediately rushed to hospital by a 31-year-old male believed to be the owner of the two dogs that attacked the elderly man who sustained serious injuries to his face and body.

The man is said to be in grave condition and has had surgery.

Parents of Murdered Law Student Ivana Hodak Testify in the Trial against her Killer

Croatia, October 26 (CD) -- The trial of Mladen Slogar, charged with killing law student Ivana Hodak the daughter of prominent lawyer Zvonimir Hodak and Ljerka Mintas Hodak, a former minister has continued with the parents of the murdered woman giving their testimony.

Zvonimir Hodak claims the only motive for the killing of his daugher a year ago was the fact that he was the defence lawyer of Vladimir Zagorec.

Both parents have expressed their doubts about Slogar's statements regarding his involvement in the killing of Ivana Hodak.