My friends at the Croatia-based Adriatic Institute for Public Policy sent me the following disturbing update:
Croatia’s Security and Counter-Intelligence Agency (SOA) Augment “Security Checks” on NGOs
Rather than strengthening the rule of law and advancing economic freedom, Croatia’s government led by Prime Minister Sanader is embroiled in a serious controversy. Under the watchful eyes of both EU and NATO institutions, Croatia’s fragile democracy is beginning to take a turn for the worse; towards a similar Slavic nation – Russia.
The forthcoming parliamentary elections in Croatia scheduled for Nov. 2007 has brought back fresh memories of the HDZ led government of the 1990’s under President Tudjman. Tudjman’s government was notorious in clamping down on free media and civil society initiatives. Today, Croatia’s Security and Counter-Intelligence Agency (SOA) – emboldened by the Balkan wars and criminal capitalism are making a come-back under the current HDZ government.
*NGO representatives have expressed grave concern over “security checks.”
*Wire tapping and email surveillance on NGOs is becoming a serious issue.
*New allegations over “secret police” schemes to monitor opposition politicians and activists with an emphasis on “investigations” prior to elections.Recent web news:
How is it Possible for the Government to not Know What its Offices and Secret Services Do?
http://see.oneworld.net/article/view/145365/1/NGOs on Security Checks of Activists
http://www.hic.hr/english/
NGO representatives have demanded at a meeting at the government premises that the government improve its relations with the civilian sector and that a council for the development of civil society be established and that more light be shed on the security checks of their activists. Deputy PM Jadranka Kosor promised a response on the Cigelj case within two weeks after consultations with PM Ivo Sanader adding that SOA chief Tomislav Karamarko confirmed she was not involved in the security checks scandal. The NGO representatives have called for SOA to also admit its responsibility in the case where security checks of individuals were carried out illegally. They also want to see legislation in place regulating security checks procedures.