ON CROATIA, CORRUPTION, AND THE COURTS (November 24, 2014)

According to an article on the website of my Internet service provider, which appears to be carefully researched, the fight against corruption in Croatia is only a myth. Out of untold spectacular arrests the last few years, very few cases involving politicians and officials have been brought to completion so far. Most of these cases are dragging on and on. Many of them will ultimately get nowhere, albeit at a snail’s pace, and the arrested politicians and officials will eventually be released. In the last analysis, the court system is in their favor. Although thousands upon thousands of corrupt politicians and officials should be behind bars by now, and for hefty terms, most of them are not even facing prosecution. As I like to put it, it is the Croatian court system that shelters the corrupt politicians and officials (“Slinging Stones at Goliath,” May 25, 2014). It is their impregnable shield. On top of that, nothing can be done against the court system. It is beyond reach. Thus, today’s article about the fight against corruption in Croatia being only a myth will get nowhere. If any of those who control the court system chance upon it, it will entice only a smile.