Personnel Purge in the Ministry of Defence: Anušić Dismisses Two Close Associates of Banožić

(Patria) - A major personnel purge has begun in the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Croatia (MORH), following the dismissal of Minister Mario Banožić due to a traffic accident he caused.

New Minister Ivan Anušić has dismissed protocol chief Nataša Pejčić Šušković, while the head of security for former Minister Banožić is being sent to the Military Disciplinary Court after his dismissal, reports Novi list.

As confirmed by the MORH, the dismissed associates of Banožić are returning, in accordance with the Law on Civil Servants, to their previous positions.

This means that Pejčić Šušković returns to her position in the Croatian Parliament, specifically to the Protocol Office, where she will serve as an advisor, while the head of security returns to his military unit.

For the record, the day before Minister Banožić's accident, in which one person died, an official MORH vehicle was also involved in another traffic accident.

That accident occurred on the Marinci - Bogdanovci county road, and no one was injured.

The vehicle was driven by Banožić's head of security, and Nataša Pejčić Šušković was in the vehicle.

They were on official duty, returning from Bogdanovci where the 32nd anniversary of remembrance for the civilian victims from that area was held.

Due to the accident, proceedings to determine material liability will be initiated against the head of security at the Military Disciplinary Court.

Meanwhile, former Minister Banožić is recovering from the accident at home after hospital treatment, but faces a criminal charge for negligent homicide.