By: Spletni časopis
Outrage swept across the country yesterday following news of the death of 48-year-old Aleš Šutar – Aco, who tried to protect his underage child outside the Lokalpatriot club in Novo mesto, but ended up in the emergency room, where he died.
Under political instructions, the police informed the public in a way that made it unclear what had happened, who was suspected of the murder, and they did not even mention the involvement of the Roma community in their public statement. The police are systematically required to conceal such events from the public to maintain a better impression of governance, even though the problems persist. The judiciary has operated similarly in recent years. The stated reason for withholding information is the protection of privacy. However, murders, violence, mass rapes, and similar acts are not considered private matters anywhere in the world.
This time, the facts could not be hidden. Among other things, a funeral will take place. Meanwhile, Justice Minister Andreja Katič and Interior Minister Boštjan Poklukar have resigned. The police director, however, has not stepped down, even though police were present at the scene before the murder, where the same individuals had already engaged in a brutal fight. Their intervention was mild.
Then the death occurred.
What really happened spread like wildfire across social media. In the mainstream media, the story moved much more slowly, as journalists and editors are afraid, under the new media law, reporting what is happening to the public can result in heavy fines, and access to information is difficult due to government concealment. Verification is also extremely difficult or even impossible because of these obstructions.
Citizens of Novo mesto have taken it upon themselves to inform the community about what is happening, as the authorities systematically cover it up.
I have long warned in Spletni časopis that political concealment of crime, such as all rapes, including those of two young women committed by Moroccan Ali Safini immediately after his release from prison in Ljubljana, group rapes in public places, and other similar incidents, is completely unreasonable.
The public has a right to know. The authorities have no right, and must not, conceal information from the people. So far, warnings have had no effect. They simply ignore them.
Prime Minister Robert Golob, faced with public outrage and opposition blaming the government, convened a meeting with Justice Minister Andreja Katič, Labour Minister Luka Mesec, Chief Prosecutor Katarina Bergant, outgoing Supreme Court President Miodrag Đorđević, and Police Director General Damjan Petrič. Bergant was absent due to vacation. Following the meeting, both the justice and interior ministers resigned.
A description of what really happened in Novo mesto was posted on Facebook by Rok Vovko, instead of being communicated by the police or authorities:
“Who among the Government of the Republic of Slovenia and our MPs will take responsibility? More than 15 Roma individuals were intimidating and harassing local children outside the student club Lokal Patriot. An hour before the fatal incident, the murderer, a 21-year-old Roma from Šentjernej, and another young man of Albanian nationality had a fight. The latter was seriously injured. Police arrived, took down their information, issued fines, and left. Then the tragic event occurred, where our friend and peaceful fellow citizen, who was not far from the scene, died. He tried to protect his son from violence. Just as any father would do for his children. Sadly, such incidents are not rare in our area.
Now tell us, Dr Robert Golob, will you treat us Dolenjska locals as intolerant, backward peasants who speak nonsense, or will you act and protect honest working people and our children? Will you finally restore order where it is most needed? What would have happened if your child had been outside Lokal Patriot and subjected to intimidation and violence? Why do you pretend and delay?
Novo mesto and its surroundings are turning into a ‘Texas’ because of certain Roma individuals (I will not generalise, some among them seek safety and honest lives), who commit violence and intimidation with impunity, break into cars and homes, sell drugs near the School Centre, Tuš shopping centre, Portoval, and elsewhere. The most successful economic story in Slovenia is struggling with criminals who could be dealt with through a bit of political will.
Children have lost a loving father. He was always their support and the pillar of the family. Just days ago, he and I talked about our daughters, who spend time together and have fun, and how we can ensure the safety of our little princesses, who are at an age where they want carefree socialising and fun with peers. Until now, I never imagined that picking up my daughter in the evening to bring her home safely could cost me my life.
I will light a candle for Aleš, who will always be the best dad in the world to his children. Come light one too.
Note: I will permanently block all inappropriate commenters. Among my friends and business partners are people of Muslim faith, Albanians, and I have no issues with honest Roma. What bothers me are those who disrespect the environment they live in, destroy property, commit violence, fight, steal… I will no longer stay silent!”
This is how the police informed the public and the media about the shocking incident in Novo mesto:
“On October 25, shortly after 2:30 AM, we were notified of an incident in which a man was injured in a public area on Rozmanova Street in Novo mesto. He was transported to the hospital by ambulance and, according to medical staff, is seriously injured. Police officers and criminal investigators conducted an inspection of the scene, secured the evidence found, and continue with an intensive criminal investigation, gathering information and determining all circumstances of the criminal offense under the chapter of the Penal Code concerning life and bodily harm. Based on the intensive investigation, Novo mesto criminal investigators identified a 20-year-old suspect. This afternoon, he was located and taken into custody. The investigation and information gathering are still ongoing, so we cannot disclose further details due to the interests of the investigation. All findings will be reported to the competent state prosecutor’s office.”
From the police statement, it is impossible to determine where exactly the incident occurred, what happened, who was involved, or any mention of ethnic group affiliations. Such concealment in cases like this is systematic and leads to precisely the opposite consequences of what politicians intend and what the community expects.
Yesterday, the 8 March Institute, known for exaggerating non-existent problems to score political points and divert attention from real issues, made a rather unbelievable statement. They warned about a gathering of neo-Nazis in Ljubljana. Their message included the following:
Hatred among people of different backgrounds and the rise of extremist groups can indeed be a consequence of systematic concealment of community events from the public and the government’s inability to solve problems.
A former police director also pointed out that the police are unfairly informing the public. He emphasised that the police are not to blame, and that the decision to conceal information is political, politicians are the ones demanding it from the police.