Three British citizens have been ordered to remain in custody for one month by a Croatian court following their arrest on suspicion of raping a 28-year-old woman at a hotel in the coastal city of Split. The investigating judge at Split County Court approved pre-trial detention for the suspects after the incident, which allegedly occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
According to Croatian public broadcaster HRT and local media reports, two of the three British nationals are originally from Kosovo. The alleged assault took place between 5:00am and 7:30am on Tuesday in a hotel room in the popular tourist destination on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast.
Croatian authorities confirmed that the victim immediately reported the incident to police following the alleged attack. Law enforcement officers responded swiftly to the report, with one suspect arrested at the scene whilst the other two were apprehended shortly afterwards during a police operation.
Court Proceedings
The Split County Court’s investigating judge ordered one month of pre-trial detention for all three suspects, citing concerns about potential flight risk. Under Croatian law, the men face charges of a serious criminal offence against sexual freedom, which carries significant penalties upon conviction.
“Pre-trial detention has been proposed for all three due to the possibility of escape, which the judge accepted,” court officials confirmed, according to local media reports. The suspects are being held pending further investigation by Croatian authorities.
All three men have denied the charges against them, claiming that any interaction was consensual. However, prosecutors have moved forward with formal charges based on the victim’s testimony and initial evidence gathered at the scene.
Details of the Incident
According to information presented to the court, the victim had met the suspects earlier at Matejuška, a popular waterfront location in Split known for its restaurants and nightlife. She subsequently agreed to accompany them to their hotel, where the alleged assault occurred.
Local media reports indicate that the first suspect allegedly insulted and physically assaulted the victim before forcing her to have sexual intercourse with the second suspect, despite her resistance and complaints of pain. The victim reportedly managed to free herself during the ordeal and contacted a friend, who immediately alerted police.
The swift police response resulted in the immediate detention of one suspect at the hotel, whilst coordinated efforts led to the rapid apprehension of the two remaining individuals before they could leave the area.
Legal Framework
Under the Croatian Criminal Code, the offence of rape and serious crimes against sexual freedom carry a minimum sentence of six months and a maximum of ten years imprisonment. The severity of sentencing depends on various factors including the circumstances of the crime and any aggravating elements.
Croatian law enforcement authorities have emphasised that investigations are ongoing and that all evidence will be thoroughly examined before the case proceeds to trial. The suspects will be provided with legal representation, either privately hired or state-appointed, as guaranteed under Croatian law.
Foreign nationals arrested in Croatia have the right to consular assistance from their embassy. The British Embassy in Zagreb has been notified of the arrests, though it has not yet issued a public statement regarding the case.
Tourism Safety Context
Croatia remains one of Europe’s safest tourist destinations, ranking 15th globally on the Global Peace Index for safety. The country welcomed millions of international visitors in 2024, with British tourists representing one of the largest visitor groups to the Adriatic nation.
Split, Croatia’s second-largest city and a UNESCO World Heritage site, is particularly popular with British holidaymakers drawn to its historic architecture, Mediterranean climate, and coastal attractions. The city serves as a gateway to Croatia’s numerous islands and attracts visitors year-round.
Local authorities have stressed that such incidents remain rare in the coastal city, which depends heavily on tourism. Croatian police maintain a visible presence in tourist areas, particularly during the peak summer season, to ensure visitor safety.
Investigation Continues
The Croatian State Prosecutor’s office will lead the ongoing investigation, working with local police to gather evidence and witness testimonies. Under Croatian law, the suspects can be held in pre-trial detention for up to six months whilst investigations proceed, with the initial one-month period subject to extension if deemed necessary by the court.
The victim is receiving support from local authorities and victim support services. Croatian law provides various protections for victims of sexual crimes, including the right to privacy during proceedings and access to psychological support.
As the investigation continues, authorities have urged anyone with relevant information about the incident to contact Split police. The case has attracted significant media attention in Croatia, where crimes involving foreign nationals often receive extensive coverage.
The three suspects remain in custody at a detention facility in Split, where they await further court proceedings. Their identities have not been released by Croatian authorities in accordance with standard legal procedures.
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