Thousands of entrepreneurs protest on Zagreb's main square

(Patria9 - The Association of Entrepreneurs' Voice organized a protest rally on Ban Jelačić Square in Zagreb due to, as they state, inadequate economic measures and discriminatory decisions against some entrepreneurs. They invited entrepreneurs, tradesmen, employees, and citizens to join them.

“Every day we see people crowding in spas, we see queues for coffee, crowds in shopping centers… We believe there is no scientific evidence that cases can be linked to caterers and fitness centers. Let us work! Around five thousand people have come”, said Dražen Oreščanin, adding that they would be giving out takeaway coffees to everyone, N1 Croatia reports.

“I ended up in custody for the first time and had handcuffs on. It's not pleasant, my daughter watched her father being taken to custody. They mention two years in prison. Mostly, the police officers were great. Positive, smart, they read, they see the absurdity of what they are doing. The conclusion was when they wrote it: ‘You are a hero, not a criminal’. It is clear to everyone that it was senseless. We waited for state inspectors for six hours, and they did their part of the job. I begged them not to close me down because I conduct online training sessions in the gym. They read me the headquarters' decision that indoor exercise activities are prohibited. I said that it is not prohibited online, and she told me that what is not explicitly mentioned is prohibited. And I see her writing it, and tears are coming to her eyes”, said Andrija Klarić, the owner of a gym who ended up in custody after opening his gym this Monday.

Opposition politicians Hrvoje Zekanović, Željko Sačić, Marko Milanović Litre, Marijana Puljak, Zlatko Hasanbegović, and others were also seen at the Square, Hina reports.

Appeal to all who come to the protest
Organizers appeal for everyone who comes to the Square today to adhere to epidemiological rules and general rules of conduct.

“It is necessary for everyone at the Square to adhere to epidemiological measures and for anyone who will give a statement to be polite, to express their opinion in a dignified manner. It is also very important, after these threats from the top authorities, to keep in mind that there might be provocateurs planted among the crowd. That is why we appeal to people not to fall for any provocations”, said Dražen Oreščanin.

Peaceful protests
The gathering is proceeding peacefully. Organizers are distributing coffee to go, but the cups are empty and contain various messages.

“Why doesn't Croatia abolish the endless string of parafiscal charges that are suffocating entrepreneurs?” is one of the messages.

They say they received permission for the protest, and from the podium, they are sending messages they want to convey to the authorities.