Josip Dabro, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries of Croatia, has been arrested on charges of child endangerment and illegal possession of firearms. Dabro, a member of the Homeland Movement (DP), was detained by Vukovar-Srijem police after the Croatian Parliament lifted his immunity at the request of the State Attorney’s Office (DORH), enabling a criminal investigation and potential arrest.
According to police in Vukovar-Srijem, Dabro, 42, was arrested following an order from the Osijek District Prosecutor’s Office. He was taken into custody at the Vukovar-Srijem Police Directorate’s detention facility. After the investigation, the prosecutor’s office will announce whether an investigation has been initiated against Dabro and whether detention will be requested due to the possibility of witness tampering and evidence destruction. A judge will decide on the pretrial detention.
Dabro, speaking to reporters, expressed his expectation that detention would be ordered. He also stated that after his release, he would consider whether to continue supporting the ruling coalition, which requires 76 votes in Parliament to remain in power.
The Osijek District Prosecutor’s Office has accused Dabro of facilitating the use of a pistol and automatic rifle, throwing an explosive device similar to a hand grenade, and dismantling and cleaning firearms, which endangered the safety of a child. He is also suspected of possessing an illegal military-grade automatic rifle, from which he fired multiple rounds on agricultural land, as well as possessing an illegal explosive device similar to a hand grenade.
Dabro had resigned as Minister of Agriculture over a month ago after a video surfaced showing him shooting from the passenger seat of a car, leading to investigations. Another video later emerged, showing him firing a Kalashnikov rifle on a field. Media reports indicate that the DORH also has footage of Dabro handing an automatic weapon to a minor and encouraging them to shoot.
