Tens of thousands of Croatians protest over hazardous waste

Zagreb, Croatia hosted a massive protest on Saturday as citizens demanded urgent action to address a hazardous waste crisis. An estimated 35,000 tonnes of toxic waste, comprising electronic and medical materials, were illegally dumped in the Lika region, a region famed for its unspoiled nature, national parks, and the longest mountain range.

Authorities are probing ten individuals and four companies for their involvement in the illicit dumping, which they believe originated from Slovenia, Italy, and Germany. Soil contamination in the nearby town of Gospic has been confirmed, posing a severe threat to the environment and public health, though the tap water remains deemed safe by health officials.

The "Walk for Lika, Walk for Croatia" march, supported by President Zoran Milanovic, the opposition, and numerous public figures, drew tens of thousands of protestors to the capital. They demanded a comprehensive cleanup plan within 20 days, complete removal within three months, and accountability for those responsible. One protester, mother of three Katarina Kenda, emphasized the urgency, saying "I want a beautiful, clean and healthy Croatia for my children."