Croatians rally for safer schools following Prečko attack

Tensions flared in Tirana on Monday, December 23 as opposition leader Sali Berisha led a protest calling for a caretaker government ahead of Albania’s May 2024 elections, with clashes between demonstrators and police.

Thousands of Croatians participated in a solemn march through Zagreb on Monday to raise awareness about the urgent need for improved school safety, following a tragic stabbing at Prečko Elementary School. The attack, in which a seven-year-old child was killed and four others injured, sparked widespread calls for action.

The march was organized by the Preporod School Union and was intended to send a clear message to Croatian politicians about the safety of students and teachers. "Tonight we gathered in a peaceful march to send a message about the importance of safety in our schools. This was prompted by the tragic event at Prečko elementary," said Zeljko Stipic, president of the union. 

The marchers, who carried grave lights in remembrance of the victims, made it clear that the event was not political. There were no speeches or banners—just a collective demand for safer schools. "We believe this walk will show decision-makers that incidents like this should never happen again, in any school or institution in Croatia," said Božica Zilić, one of the participants.

The attack, carried out by a 19-year-old former student, occurred in the morning when the suspect entered the school and began stabbing a teacher and several students. The assailant later injured himself and was detained by authorities. Croatian Interior Minister Davor Božinović confirmed the suspect’s identity and the details of the attack.

Participants in the march expressed frustration with the handling of the situation, particularly with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health, calling for systemic changes to ensure such violence never happens again. "Our society needs to ask itself what kind of environment allows this to happen," said Kristinka Vucković, another marcher. "A lot has gone wrong with both ministries, and we hope something like this won't happen again."

The march was a powerful reminder of the need for swift action to safeguard Croatian schools and prevent further tragedies.

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