SCANDAL IN CROATIA: Several judges partied with controversial Kerum, who is on trial in multiple proceedings

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - A video that appeared in the public showing a cheerful Željko Kerum dancing and singing to the song "Stari morski vuk" has drawn the attention of the police, the state inspectorate, and also the Supreme Court, which commented on the case.

Namely, it was recorded at the end of January in Kerum's tavern "Pršut" in Kaštela, where the birthday of former footballer Ivica Mornar was celebrated with music, drinks, prosciutto, cheese, and roast, and among the guests were some of the highest-ranking judges from Split.

Allegedly, present at "Pršut" were Bruno Klein, president of the County Court in Split, Silvio Čović, president of the Administrative Court in Split, Dinko Mešin, spokesperson for the County Court in Split, Miho Mratović, a judge of the County Court (who appears in the frame with Mornar), and Tomislav Zlodre, a judge of the Municipal Court in Split, as reported by Index.

The Supreme Court of the Republic of Croatia reacted on Friday morning.

"Regarding the 'gathering' of several judges from the County, Municipal, and Administrative Courts in Split at the tavern of the entrepreneur and candidate for mayor of Split, we state the following. Judges must always be mindful of their conduct both inside and outside the courtroom. The standards of appropriateness and obligations of judges in this regard are prescribed by the Code of Ethics and are higher than those for persons who do not hold judicial office. We call on judges to scrupulously and with special attention consider every situation in which their behavior might appear inappropriate and to be guided by the principles set out in the Code of Judicial Ethics," said the spokesperson of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Croatia, Željko Pajalić.

This video will certainly have further repercussions. The problem is not only the epidemiological measures in force, which the judges violated by this gathering in a closed catering facility, but also the numerous court proceedings related to the bankruptcy of Kerum's companies, as well as the upcoming local elections.

Namely, judges are members of election commissions, so partying and socializing with one of the candidates for mayor of Split is at least questionable. 

Read more at: https://www.vecernji.hr/vijesti/kerum-u-prsutu-ugostio-splitske-suce-procurila-snimka-1466544 - www.vecernji.hr