Arrested or in prison in Croatia

Arrested or in prison in Croatia

This guide provides information about being arrested in Croatia and what conditions are like in prison there.

The British Embassy in Croatia can offer help but will not be able to get you out of prison or get you special treatment because you’re British. Find out what help the embassy or consulate can offer.

Family and friends can contact:

• the British Embassy in Croatia

• the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London on +44 (0)20 7008 5000

British Embassy Zagreb:

Finding a lawyer and translator

Find a lawyer in Croatia

You should carefully consider getting a local Croatian lawyer. Discuss all costs with them in advance.

Prisoners Abroad has information on appointing a lawyer and legal aid, although this information is not specific to Croatia.

Private lawyers

Check the list of local English-speaking lawyers if you want to appoint your own private lawyer. Ask the British Embassy Zagreb if you need a paper copy.

You can appoint your own lawyer. The Croatian Bar Association (comparable to the General Council of the Bar in the UK) holds a list of all certified lawyers in Croatia You can find a search form on their website. The form itself is in Croatian, and there is a dropdown menu „Jezici“ (languages) and you can choose „Engleski“ (English language) to list English speaking lawyers. Please note that if you decide to hire a private lawyer, you will have to pay for their services youself. Lawyers set their own fees which can vary, so check about lawyer’s fees in advance.

If you appoint a private lawyer, the case will be transferred to the new lawyer. Your court-appointed lawyer is paid by the state and should provide the same level of service relating to the court proceedings as a paid lawyer. If you are not happy with the service you receive from the court-appointed lawyer, you or your family can hire and pay another lawyer of your choice to represent you. In such case you will be asked to sign a power of attorney to the lawyer of your choice, they will take it to the court and become your legal representative.

Court-appointed lawyers

Depending on how severe the alleged offence is the court will decide if you could get a court-appointed lawyer (odvjetnik po sluzbenoj duznosti). The decision is not based on your financial situation.

You can still choose to appoint your own private lawyer at any time, which you would have to pay for yourself. If you get a private lawyer, they will be registered with the court as your lawyer and the court will withdraw the court-appointed lawyer.

Costs of a court-appointed lawyer

A court‑appointed lawyer’s services are free if your case is dismissed, or you are found innocent.

If you are found guilty and sentenced, you will receive a receipt from the court at the end of the proceedings. For further details, ask your lawyer.

Please check directly with the court-appointed lawyer about whether services they propose to do come free of charge or will carry a fee.

Changing your court-appointed lawyer

You can only change your court-appointed lawyer if the court can be shown that they neglected their duties, for example not visiting you in custody, or being significantly unprepared for your main hearing. General disagreements you have with a court-appointed lawyer are not enough for you to change them.

Legal aid

Croatia provides free legal aid (besplatna pravna pomoć) under the Free Legal Aid Act (Zakon o besplatnoj pravnoj pomoći), but its application is restricted.

If allowed, it could include general legal advice, drafting submissions to local courts and legal aid in out-of-court dispute settlement. You can find more information at the Ministry of Justice website.

If you think you might be eligible for free legal aid, and you have not been provided with a court-appointed lawyer, ask the judge to consider your request.

Find a translator or interpreter in Croatia

You may need a translator to help you understand Croatian documents about your case.

When you get arrested, during taking statements by the police, the State Prosecution or the court, you can request an interpreter so that you understand what is being said. You should get all documents translated into English (it will take longer but that is your right), and if this does not happen, you can ask for documents to be translated into English.

Do not sign any documents unless you understand them.

What happens when you’re arrested in Croatia

You can be arrested and taken to a local police station:

• because of an existing arrest warrant
• where there are grounds for issuing an arrest warrant
• if you’re caught in the act of performing a crime
• if it’s expected you’ll leave the country to escape justice
• your identity cannot be confirmed

The police must tell you in English (or a language you understand):

• why you’ve been arrested
• that initial proceedings against you have started
• your rights

Do not sign any documents unless you understand them – you must be given an interpreter if you ask for one.

Your rights

You have the right to:

• remain silent
• refuse to cooperate in the proceedings
• appoint a court-appointed lawyer of your choice or ask for the help of a duty court-appointed lawyer
• ask for an interpreter
• tell your next-of-kin you’ve been arrested
• tell the British embassy or consulate you’ve been arrested.

Personal belongings

When you are arrested, the police will take your personal belongings. That might include taking you to your accommodation. Your personal belongings will be listed and returned to you at the end of police custody if you are released, unless items are legally seized as evidence. If you are taken to prison on remand, your belongings should be sent to that prison, unless items are legally seized as evidence.

Your personal belongings should be listed in your presence, and you should receive a receipt.

Going to court

You must be taken to court within 48 hours from when you’re arrested by the police. At court the investigative judge will discuss your case with you. The judge will decide if you’ll:

• be put on remand to wait for your trial
• have to pay a fine
• be released without charge

Being put on remand

You may be put on remand if you’re suspected of committing a criminal offence.

This means you’ll be put in prison while you wait for the criminal investigation and trial to finish.

Foreign prisoners are also often seen as a ‘flight risk’ and put on remand. This is because the judge thinks there’s a good chance they’ll leave Croatia to escape justice.

How long you can be on remand for?

As a general rule, depending on the severity of the crime commited, you can be on remand for up to 3 years.

 This has to be approved by the Public Prosecutor and court.

Bail

The investigative judge decides if you can be allowed bail and it depends on the severity of the crime, likelihood that you could flee the country and other factors. Your lawyer will be best placed to advise on this matter and put motions for bail to the court.

Bail is sometimes offered to foreigners, but the court usually issues bail conditions, which may include not being able to leave the country, having to report to the police weekly or otherwise, and the authorities keeping your passport. If someone who is out on bail fails to meet bail conditions, an Interpol warrant might be issued for them.

Instructions for bail are set by the court and the Embassy can help find out the details from the court.

If your situation changes whilst on bail and you can no longer support yourself financially, you can ask your lawyer to ask the court to put you back in detention. The Embassy can help you contact your friends and family who may be willing to help.

The Embassy cannot transfer bail funds for you.

If bail conditions are violated then the bail may be forfeited, the defendant may be returned to custody, or the court may also impose stricter measures.

Arriving at prison

You’ll be put in a cell when you arrive at prison. You’ll have your photo taken and get a prisoner number. You might be asked to give details like your:

• name, date of birth and nationality
• home address
• medical conditions or allergies
• religion, marital status and profession
• name and address of next of kin.

Your next-of-kin will not be told you’re in prison unless you give your permission.

Personal belongings

Once you are taken to prison, any belongings that are not part of the investigation, process or evidence should be sent to the prison. If it is not part of the investigation, the prison will not be able to keep your vehicle safe whilst you are detained on remand.

The British Embassy cannot store personal belongings on your behalf.

You can usually keep and use your own clothing in the prison. If you have no acceptable clothing, basic prison clothing will be provided.

Your prison cell

You’ll get assigned a prison cell once all your details have been taken. Croatian prisons are usually overcrowded so you are likely to share a cell with other people.

Once in prison, you will receive basic necessities including a bed mattress and bedding.

Contacting the British embassy

Tell the prison if you want the British embassy to know you’re in prison. You will be given a document to fill in whether you do or do not want the embassy to be informed.

Medical check-up

A doctor will give you a check-up within the first few days of being in prison. It might include x-rays and blood tests, and you might be taken to a local hospital for that.

Tell the doctor about any medical conditions you already have and about any injuries sustained before arriving to prison. The doctor will decide if you need a special diet or any other medical treatment.

Contact the British embassy if you need help getting your medical notes from your GP in the UK.

Rights and responsibilities in prison

The prison must tell you your rights and responsibilities. Ask if they have a copy of these in English.

There might be sanctions applied for failing to follow the prison rules. Insulting or abusing prison staff might be considered as an attack on an official person and result in sanctions.

There is a reward/ranking system with the possibility to earn privileges for good behaviour, but that usually exists only for sentenced prisoners.

Prison staff will carry out random drug checks and if you are caught with any kind of illegal drugs (marijuana, cocaine, etc.) you will face disciplinary action. Tobacco and cigarettes are allowed inside Croatian prisons.

Visits from family or friends

Visiting rules vary from prison to prison. Frequency and duration of visits depend on the legal provisions for certain categories of persons deprived of their liberty (detention on remand, sentenced prisoners, juveniles). You or your family or friends can ask your lawyer, or the prison directly, about the rules.

How many visits you’re allowed

The frequency of visits, and the day and duration of visits, differ from prison to prison and depend on the prisoner’s age, if you have children, and whether in detention on remand or have been sentenced. The embassy can send you a link to the prison information about visits.

Visits usually last 15 minutes, but longer visits can sometimes be allowed for compassionate reasons.

This decision depends on the availability of prison visiting rooms. You or your family can ask your lawyer, or the prison directly about the rules.

Arranging visits if you are on remand

Family members and others who are allowed to visit must get permission in writing from the investigating judge in order to visit you. Family members can ask for longer visits because they travelled from abroad. The embassy can help your family members to request this permission.

Arranging visits if you have been sentenced

These visits are authorised by the prison Warden. The Treatment officer can advise you on this process.  The embassy can help with finding out information.

A sentenced prisoner has the right to visits from family members twice a month and on holidays. A child up to the age of 18 can visit a parent who is imprisoned once a week and on holidays (accompanied by an adult family member if aged less than 16).

A sentenced juvenile person has the right to be visited by family members 4 times a month and on holidays.

During the visit

Visitors will be searched when entering the prison, and must bring their passport with them for identification purposes. Visitors should arrive at the prison at least 30 minutes before the start of the visit.  

There will be glass between the prisoner and the visitor, and guards will be present.

Visits are usually allowed for 15 minutes at a time.

In some prisons there are vending machines, and you will need Euro coins to use them.

What visitors can take with them

The prison will have a list of prohibited items. Visitors and items can be searched. If the authorities suspect a visitor is trying to bring in prohibited items, a thorough personal search can be carried out. Food is usually not allowed.

The Embassy can help your family to obtain the list of prohibited items from the prison.

Visits from British embassy staff

We normally visit British nationals after they have been arrested, once after sentencing and then once a year if the sentence is longer. We will also visit you if there are any special circumstances warranting a consular visit like mistreatment or welfare issues.

You will be informed of our planned visit by the Treatment officer, and you will be asked if you want a visit from the embassy.

You can write to us at any time about issues you’re concerned about. If it is urgent, it may be quicker to ask prison authorities to contact us on your behalf.

Money

The British embassy does not provide financial assistance to prisoners.

Money transfers from family or friends

The embassy cannot receive money on your behalf.

Family or friends can send you money by bank transfer to the prison. They cannot send you cash in the post. Ask the prison authorities for the bank account information for your family or friends to use.

There are specific details for sending money to different prisons in Croatia and the embassy can help with information.

Prison accounts

A deposit account is held by the prison/penitentiary for each detainee and prisoner. Any money that a prisoner has and cannot keep on their person will be held on their prison deposit account (“polog novca”). You will get a prison card and will be able to use your money that way in the prison shop.

If you will be able to work in the prison after being sentenced, you may earn money and it will be kept for you by the prison and given to you when you are released.

Letters and parcels via post

You can receive letters and parcels, but these will be strictly controlled and restrictions may apply. You may have to make an application to receive packages. Check with the prison to see what can and cannot be sent to avoid parcels being returned and check other restrictions (e.g. maximum size and weight, and type of packaging).

The person sending the parcel must take care of any customs paperwork and possible charges when they send the parcel to avoid it being returned.

How to make a complaint about mistreatment

The British embassy can help if you have been mistreated or abused – it will take all complaints seriously. Tell it first if you decide to make a complaint. It will ask your permission before taking any action.

There are several ways to submit a complaint when you’re in a Croatian prison.

Complaining to the prison Warden

If you wish to file a complaint you can do so by writing to the prison Warden. The Embassy can provide advice on how to do this.

Contacting the Prison System Directorate

You can send a complaint about something that happened in prison to the Prison System Directorate Head Office in Zagreb.

Their contact details are:

Filing a complaint about mistreatment by the police

If you want to complain about mistreatment by the police, you can do it by writing to the:

• relevant County Police Administration
• to the Police Directorate, Office of the Chief Police Director (Ilica 335, Zagreb) by email to [email protected]
• to the Police Internal control (Ulica grada Vukovara 33, Zagreb) by email to: [email protected]

You should start from the County Police Administration where you were arrested, and  if you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can take your complaint to a higher level, as described above.

If you are detained on remand, you can also write directly to the judge who oversees your case.

It would be useful to let the embassy know if you are sending a complaint as the reply is likely to be sent to the embassy to forward to you. We can help you with providing the contact details for the County police Administration.

Writing to the European Parliament

You can also complain about your treatment by writing to the:

• European Parliament
• European Court of Human Rights
• European Commission for Human Rights
• European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhumane or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT)

Your investigation and trial in Croatia

The Croatian judicial system is based on the Roman law, whereas the British one is based on common law. Common law refers to law developed by judges through decisions of courts that are called precedent. Roman law, or civil law, differs from common law in that is based solely on a legal code instead of precedent.

Croatia does not have a purely inquisitorial system, nor a jury system. Instead, it uses a mixed civil‑law model.

Judges have the responsibility of carrying out a detailed assessment of all the facts about your case. Their final decision will be based on these findings. The trial starts when the investigation is finished and an indictment is confirmed. There is no formal plea system as in common‑law jurisdictions.

The prosecution and the defence may present their arguments and evidence before an impartial judge, but there is no opening-statement format as in the common-law courts.

These are the main stages that a prisoner’s case will go through:

• initial actions / crime report
  Police undertake initial measures upon suspicion that a crime was committed and report results to the State Attorney’s Office (DORH), in other words the Public Prosecutor
• prosecutor’s inquiry / Investigation (istraga)
  Based on police findings, the Prosecutor decides whether to open an investigation or proceed by other means, they are the ones who request for someone to be put on remand
• indictment (charge) (optužnica)
  After the investigation/inquiry, the Prosecutor may file an indictment with the relevant court
• judicial review of the indictment
  The court (judge or a judicial council- optužno vijeće) decides whether the indictment is based on enough lawful evidence to justify opening the main hearing/ trial

• main hearing / trial (rasprava) .This is the central stage of the case in court and ends with the first‑instance judgment (presuda prvog stupnja) or release. However, the trial duration varies significantly based on the:

  • procedural discipline of parties
  • workload and decision‑making pace of courts
  • need for expert witness reports
  • number of hearings required

The British Embassy cannot interfere with the Croatian judicial system. It cannot ask for your case to be judged quicker because you are a British national or ask the authorities to waive any penalties.

Choice of court

The type of court your case will be heard in normally depends on how serious the alleged offences are.

The following courts are regular courts (dealing with crimes):

• Vrhovni sud Republike Hrvatske = Supreme Court of the Republic of Croatia
• Županijski sudovi = County Courts (dealing with serious crimes – sentences of more than 5 years) – first instance and with the appeals in case tried at the Municipal Courts – second instance
• Općinski sudovi = Municipal Courts (dealing with crimes for which the law prescribes penalties up to 5 years imprisonment) – first instance

The following courts are specialised courts (dealing with minor offences):

• Visoki trgovački sud RH = High Commercial Court of the Republic of Croatia
• Trgovački sudovi = Commercial Courts
• Visoki prekršajni sud RH = High Misdemeanour Court of the Republic of Croatia
• Prekršajni sudovi = Misdemeanour Courts
• Visoki upravni sud RH = High Administrative Court of the Republic of Croatia
• Upravni sudovi = Administrative Courts

Completion of investigations

While you’re on remand before the trial, the Public Prosecutor investigates the charges against you.

This can include things like:

• questioning you and the witnesses
• getting expert opinions
• getting police investigative summaries
• investigative laboratory reports.

The investigation stage is finished when the Public Prosecutor believes they have enough evidence to file an indictment and take you to trial or the investigative judge decides to end the case and release you.

Bill of indictment

If your case will go to trial, you will be given the ‘bill of indictment’ (optužnica). It will say:

• what you’re accused of
• which laws may have been broken
• what the evidence is

Start of your trial

Once the indictment is confirmed, the court organises a trial preparation hearing, which aims to:

• clarify which evidence will be used
• establish procedural issues
• ensure the efficient conduct of the trial

The court then formally opens the case in a public hearing (unless legally restricted). The indictment is read, informing the defendant of the charges against them and their rights.

The court is responsible for organising an interpreter for court hearings.

Taking evidence

The court must do all it can to find the truth by investigating all possible evidence and exhibits in the case. The trial proceeds with the systematic presentation of evidence, as needed. This includes:

• witness’ testimonies
• expert evaluations
• forensic reports
• documentary or physical evidence

Evidence production is one of the primary factors affecting the duration of the legal process and can cause delays.

Examination of evidence

The court must ensure both sides have equal procedural rights. The defendant must be informed of all incriminating facts and evidence and be permitted to challenge them.

The prosecution and defence may:

• examine and cross‑examine witnesses
• present alternative evidence
• dispute expert findings

The court may order additional evidence if necessary.

Verdict

After evidence is fully examined:

• the court withdraws to deliberate and issues a verdict: guilty or not guilty
• courts are legally obligated to issue verdicts within a reasonable time; if they do not, parties may file a request for protection of the right to a trial within reasonable time

If such a request is approved, the judge may be ordered to issue a decision within up to 6 months, unless special circumstances justify a longer period.

Sentences

If you’re found guilty, you’ll be given a sentence. Your sentence will depend on how serious the crime is. Your lawyer can tell you what or how long your sentence might be.

Sentences can include:

• time in prison
• fines
• a suspended sentence (a punishment outside prison during which you might need to meet certain conditions, for example do unpaid work, or you will be sent to prison

Making an appeal

You have the right to appeal against your sentence or the length of it in the Higher Courts through your private lawyer or the court-appointed lawyer.

When you can appeal

The deadline for the appeal is usually from 15 to 30 days from the moment you receive the verdict, depending on the charge. The last document from the court where you are informed about your sentence, will contain that information.

If you have not appealed within this time the verdict will be final and cannot be changed. The Prosecution can appeal as well.

How to appeal

You or your lawyer must submit the petition for appeal or review to the trial court.

The appeal process can be slow, and you can ask your lawyer any detailed questions you might have.

What happens when you appeal

When a party files an appeal (žalba) against a first‑instance criminal judgment, the case enters the second‑instance procedure.

This does not mean you’ll be released if you’re already on remand. You’ll stay on remand until you get the result of the appeal.

Although there is no set time that an appeal needs to be settled by, the general rule is that criminal cases are usually completed as soon as possible.

At the end of the appeal

If your full appeal is successful, you’ll be acquitted or your sentence may be reduced.

If your application is successful, the court might:

• decide on your case, meaning they could acquit you
• overturn the original judgement and send the case back to the original court.

Ask your lawyer if you have any questions about the legal process.

Prison conditions in Croatia

Each prisoner, sentenced or on remand, is provided with accessories for maintaining personal hygiene. Each prison has a prison shop, and items that can be bought at the prison shop cannot be brought to you by the family.

If there are issues with the conditions in the prison you can let the Embassy know and we will try to help you as much as we can. Please note we cannot Hask for you to have better conditions than others in the prison.

Letters and packages

There is usually no limit to the number of letters you may send or receive. The sender should address the letter/parcel writing your full name, surname and the full address for the prison on the front; including their own address on the back.

All letters and parcels should be sent directly to the prison; the Embassy is not able to receive letters or parcels for you.

Packages can be received via postal services, with the address clearly including:

• the name of the prison
• your full name on the outside of the package

Visitors may deliver parcels in person, but must:

• present a valid ID card or passport
• provide a written list of the contents of the parcel.

This correct labelling is required so prison staff can identify and inspect the package. Tobacco, food and hygiene products are not permitted.

Stamps and stationery

Stationery and stamps are usually available in the prison shop for you to buy. If not, your family may be able to help you obtain them.

Checks on your mail

Every letter and package received by the prison undergoes mandatory inspection by prison authorities.

• all items inside must be inspectable
• items that cannot be inspected will not be accepted

Letters are subject to censorship by the judge for detainees on remand, and the prison warden for prisoners. This can be a slow process because both inward and outward letters need to be translated and this means there will be a delay in receiving letters.

Telephone calls

You can make telephone calls while in prison, but no one can call you. International calls are allowed providing you have enough money on your phone card. Usually there is access to a pay phone and you need to use your prison card, which will contain all telephone numbers you are allowed to dial, and to which your money will be added to.

Telephone calls on remand

If you are detained on remand on remand, you must submit a written request to the judge to allow you to make calls to a limited number of people, usually your close family members.

Telephone calls when sentenced

If you have been sentenced, you should ask the prison authorities to allow you to make calls, and usually it is the same people as when you were on remand. You can ask the prison authorities to add more people on the list and use the same prison card to make the calls.

 Video calls

You might be approved for video visits (“video posjeti”). The purpose is to help maintain family ties when a physical visit is difficult . Video calls are granted upon written your request to the Warden and is subject to their approval.

Medical and dental treatment

Your basic medical needs must be met while you’re in prison on remand in Croatia.  The prison doctor is responsible for your health and wellbeing.

If you need medical assistance you will need to ask your Treatment officer by filling in a form to see a doctor.

Medical attention is free of charge, but the treating doctor may not speak English. Usually there are no dentists in prisons, so if you ask to be seen by a dentist, you will be taken to be seen by a dentist outside the prison.

Treatment for a new illness or condition

Speak to the prison guards or your Treatment officer if you need medical or dental treatment. The doctor might not visit every day in smaller prisons, so submit the request as soon as possible.

Prison doctors are often similar to UK GPs (general practitioners). If you have an unusual or complex condition, you might be referred to a specialist outside the prison. Referral to private hospitals is not possible. If you need to be hospitalised, you will be taken to the Prison Hospital in Zagreb, and to public general hospitals if treatment is not available at the Prison Hospital.

Existing conditions

The British embassy or consulate can try to make sure the prison knows about any medical or dental issues you have if you want it to. It can also talk to your UK GP to help get your medical records sent to the prison.

You might be transferred to a hospital with a police guard if your condition cannot be treated in prison.

Drug and alcohol addiction

Some prisons in Croatia have a programme for prisoners with a drug or alcohol addiction. Discuss this with the Treatment officer and the doctor.

Mental health care

Talk to the prison psychologist or doctor as soon as possible if you feel you need treatment for your mental health. For example, you have depression or anxiety.

The prison may be able to make recommendations about adjustments for psychological issues.

Prisons usually have psychologists but not psychiatrists. Prisoners who need to see a psychiatrist will be referred to one at a hospital. Treatment officers are trained to recognise mental health issues and will refer prisoners to the prison doctor for advice.

Emergency trips outside prison

 You can apply for an emergency trip outside prison within Croatia if an urgent matter comes up that cannot be postponed, like a funeral or critical illness of a relative.

Ask the Treatment officer for advice on how to go about applying.

Food and diet

The food in Croatian prisons should form a balanced diet that meets necessary nutritional requirements. Croatian tap water is safe to drink. If you have any special dietary requirements and cannot  get them in prison yourself, you can inform your Treatment officer. You can also let consular staff know and we can speak to the prison authorities on your behalf. Please note that the Embassy cannot order the prison to do anything or change their rules.

Special diets

You can apply for a special diet. Tell the prison or prison doctor when you arrive if you have special medical or religious needs.

The prison doctor will approve special medical diets.

Prison shop

Most prisons have their own shop, where you can go shopping once or twice a month. Items like toiletries or extra fruit and vegetables can be bought there with your own money.

If a prison does not have a shop, you will be given a list of things that you can buy. Your shopping list will be collected and the items bought for you.

This list will probably be in German – you can check the list of useful German words and phrases for some common translations.

Showers and hygiene

Each prison has a roster as to when each prisoner can shower and it depends on how the prison is organised. Showers are usually communal and are generally of basic quality. Basic toiletries are usually provided by the prison authorities and anything else allowed in prison can be bought from the prison shop.

Work and study

Some Croatian prisons offer work opportunities for prisoners after being sentenced and some work is available during being in prison on remand. Some prisons offer work opportunities outside of the prison for sentenced prisoners.

Work is not compulsory, but if there is an opportunity for work and you decide to work, you should be paid for it and a portion of what you earn will be saved for when you are released. The type of work available and pay are different in each prison, and you should ask your Treatment officer for more information.

Books, languages, activities and study

Some prisons offer educational courses to prisoners in Croatian. We are not aware of the possibility to study in English. You should ask the Treatment officer if study is available in your prison, or if they would accept for you to do a distance learning course in English.

Some Croatian prisons have some English-language books and magazines in their libraries. You might be able to:

• order books directly from publishers or authorised websites
• subscribe to English newspapers or magazines

Ask the Treatment officer for advice. You always need permission before ordering a particular book, magazine or newspaper.

Prisoners Abroad might be able to send some reading material, language textbooks and dictionaries.

Courses and study

Some prisons offer educational courses to prisoners in Croatian. We are not aware of the possibility to study in English. You should ask the Treatment officer if study is available in your prison, or if they would accept for you to do a distance learning course in English.

Exercise

You will be allowed to walk outside daily for 2 hours a day. There might be sports or other activities that you could join, and you could check availability of these with your Treatment officer. Some prisons have gyms.

Clothing

You can keep and use your own clothing in the prison, unless the clothes are not suitable for work activities, are unsafe or otherwise unsuitable (e.g. resemble prison guards’ uniforms, can be used to conceal forbidden items). If you have no acceptable clothing, prison clothing will be provided.

Croatian prisons will provide standard clothing adequate for the part of Croatia you are in.

Religion

You are allowed to take part in religious services of your choice and prisons will try to accommodate your needs. Visits from a priest, rabbi, imam or other minister of faith must be agreed with the Treatment officer.

Mobile phones

Mobile phones are not allowed in Croatian prisons. You will be disciplined if you – or anyone visiting you – are found with one. This may include losing your job or affecting your release date. Visits could also be suspended.

Transferring to another prison

You may be able to apply to transfer to a prison in the UK.

It is possible for British nationals to ask to be transferred to a UK prison after all legal processes have finished and providing both the Croatian and the UK side agree to the transfer.

Your family can see the conditions and other details in FCDO’s online the in prison abroad – transfer to a UK prison advice.

Transferring to a prison in Croatia

If you have been tried and sentenced and you still have at least 6 months left to serve, you will be sent to the Prison Diagnostic Centre in Zagreb where you will stay for several weeks. The prison specialists will decide which Croatian prison you will be sent to serve the remaining part of your sentence.

In Croatia there are no specific prisons for foreigners. You might be sent back to the same prison where you were in detention, but it does not have to be that same one. Please note that the Embassy cannot ask the Croatian authorities to send you to a particular prison.

Early release

You can sometimes have your sentence reduced, especially if you are a first-time offender. Clemency or pardon is possible in some rare cases. You can also sometimes pay a fine instead of spending time in prison.

Early release in Croatia is possible after at least 3 quarters of your sentence have been served. It is not granted automatically, and you have to apply for early release yourself or with the help from a lawyer. The requirements to apply are defined by law and you can find out more information from your lawyer or the prison staff. Embassy staff can help you understand who you need to send your application to.

Reduction of sentence (remission)

You may apply to be released before having served the entire sentence, but only after one half of the sentence has been served. You need to apply to the prison authorities in Croatia, who, if they deem early release is justifiable due to good behaviour, etc., will in turn put their proposal for the early release to the Court for its approval.

Clemency or pardon

In Croatia, pardon/ clemency can only be given by the President on the proposal of her/ his delegates such as Ministers, the State Prosecutor, etc. A pardon/ clemency means that although the prison sentence will end the person will still have a criminal record.

Release and deportation

You can contact the British embassy or consulate if you need help when you’re released. You might be deported, but you might also be released from prison and be free to go.

Your social worker may be able to help you contact your family before your release. Ask them if you want them to help.

When you’re released, you’ll be given any money you earned working in prison plus any you had with you when you were arrested.

Deportation

Once you are released from prison, and in case the police issues you with an order to leave the country, you must leave Croatia within the ordered period. In case you fail to do so, Croatian authorities might decide to take you to the nearest border, and you will have to pay for expenses incurred and would not be able to return to Croatia before the cost is paid. Long-term residents should be able to stay in the country at the end of their sentence unless the court or the police also impose a ban from entering Croatia.

As you’re a British national you can only be deported to the UK.

Flights to the UK

Croatian government and the prison authorities do not provide flights home for released foreign nationals.

The British government cannot pay for your flights or travel costs.

Released prisoners (or family/friends) must organise their own travel home.

If Croatia issues a formal deportation order for someone, the Croatian authorities arrange the deportation of the person, with the flight back to the UK organised and usually paid for by the Croatian state. This applies only when a deportation decision has been made.

Your passport will be stamped to show you have been deported. You may not be able to return to Croatia for several years.

Getting a passport

Make sure your British passport is still in date. Contact the British embassy or consulate before you’re released if you need an emergency passport for your journey home.

Useful Croatian words and phrases

Important phrases

I would like to- Htjela bih (feminine) htio bih (masculine)

• I would like to see a doctor / Htjela/htio bih vidjeti liječnika
• I would like to visit a social worker / Htjela/htio bih posjetiti socijalnog radnika
• I would like to contact the embassy / Htjela/htio bih kontaktirati ambasadu
• I would like to contact my lawyer / Htjela/htio bih kontaktirati svog odvjetnika

Useful legal terms

Adjudication	Presuda
Administration of justice	Izvršenje pravde
Appeal	Žalba / Žalbeni postupak
Application	Aplikacija, zahtjev, zamolba
Application forms (prison)	Obrazac za zamolbu (zatvorski)
Army	Vojska
Bar Association	Odvjetnička komora
Blood test	vađenje krvi
Charge	Optužba
Police Officer	Policijski službenik
Chief Prosecutor	Glavni tužitelj
Chief Public Prosecutor	Glavni državni odvjetnik
Civil party in criminal trial	Građanska strana u kaznenom postupku
Code of criminal procedure	Krivični zakonik
Complaints system	Sustav reklamacija, pritužbi
Completed file	Završeni predmet
Compulsory prosecution	Progon po službenoj dužnosti
Conjugal Visit	Bračni posjet
Court file reference	broj sudskog predmeta
Criminal code	Kazneni zakon
Criminal Court	Kazneni sud
Criminal prosecution by victim	Kazneni progon od strane žrtve
Custody hearing	Saslušanje / Rasprava
Custody officer	pritvorski nadzornik
Custody order	Nalog o zadržavanju / pritvoru
Danger of interfering with the course of justice	Opasnost od utjecaja na tijek sudjenja
Danger of repeated criminal offences	Opasnost od ponavljanja kaznenog djela
Deportation order	Nalog o deportaciji
Evaluation of evidence	Evaluacija dokaza
Expert Witness	Sudski vještak
Extradition	Ekstradicija
Border Police	Granična policija
Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution	Ustavni sud
Police	Policija
Prosecutions Office	Ured državnog odvjetnika
File	Predmet
Guilty	Kriv
High Court	Vrhovni sud
Higher Regional Court	Županijski sud
Imprisonment after conviction	Zatvorska kazna nakon izricanja presude
Interpreter	Tumac
Investigative Judge	Sudac istrage
Judge	Sudac
Judgement	Presuda
Jurisdiction	Nadležnost
Juvenile prison rules	Zatvorska pravila za maloljetnike
Law	pravo; zakon
Lawyer	odvjetnik
Legal remedy	pravni lijek
Local Bar Association	Lokalna odvjetnička komora
Local prison rules	Lokalna zatvorska pravila
Local State Court	Općinski sud
Major offence	delikt; kazneno djelo
Minister of Justice	Ministar pravosuđa
Minor offence	prekršaj
Notary	Javni bilježnik
Officer of the Court	Službenik suda
Opposition	Oporba
Permit, entitlement	dozvola, pravo
Personal money in prison	osobni novac u zatvoru
Physical examination	tjelesni pregled
Plaintiff	Tužitelj
Police Chief Inspector	Načelnik policije
Police Inspector	Policijski inspektor
Power of Attorney	Punomoć
Preliminary detention	Privremeno zadržavanje; pritvor
Presiding Judge	Predsjedavajući sudac
Presumption of innocence	Presumpcija nevinosti
Preventive detention	Preventivni pritvor
Prison	Zatvor
Prison administration	Zatvorska uprava
Prison Assessment Unit	Centar za dijagnostiku
Prison Director / Warden	Upravitelj zatvora
Prison house rules	Zatvorska pravila
Prison newspapers	Zatvorske novine
Prison rule book	Zatvorski pravilnik
Prison rules regarding supervised visit	Zatvorska pravila u svezi posjete pod nadzorom
Prison guard	Čuvar, stražar
Prisoners	Zatvorenici
Private prosecution	Progon na osnovu privatne tužbe
Procedural complaint against official	Žalba na postupak službene osobe
Proof of evidence	dokaz
Proportionality	Proporcionalnost
Prosecutor	Tužitelj, državni odvjetnik
Public Prosecutor’s Office	Ured državnog odvjetnika
Punishment cell	Zatvorska ćelija
Regional State Court	Županijski sud
Rehabilitation	Rehabilitacija
Release	Otpustiti
Release order	Nalog o otpuštanju
Remand rules	Pritvorska pravila
Representative of the Local Authority	Predstavnik lokalnog tijela
Secret Service	Tajna služba
Security	Sigurnost
Single Judge	Sudac pojedinac
Small Police Station	Mala policijska postaja
Social Worker	Socijalni radnika
Sufficient suspicion	Osnovana sumnja
Suspended sentence	Uvjetna kazna
Temporary detention	Privremeno zadržavanje
The accused	Optuženik (branjenik)
to buy	kupiti
to change money	promijeniti novac
to deport	deportirati
to file an appplication	podnijeti zahtjev
transfer to another prison	transfer u drugi zatvor
treason	izdaja
valid or legal	važeći ili zakonski
visit	posjet
visiting permit	dozvola za posjetu
Warden	Upravitelj zatvora

Numbers

One	Jedan	Six	Šest
Two	Dva	Seven	Sedam
Three	Tri	Eight	Osam
Four	Četiri	Nine	Devet
Five	Pet	Ten	Deset

Food

Apple	jabuka	Hungry	gladan
Banana	banana	Juice	sok
Beans	grah	Meat	meso
Biscuits	keksi	Milk	mlijeko
Bread	kruh	Omelette	omlet
Cake	kolač	Pancake	palačinka
Chicken	piletina	Rice	riža
Coffee	kava	Sausage	kobasica
Drink	piće	Sugar	šećer
Eat	jesti	Sweet	sladak
Eggs	jaja	Vegetables	povrće
Fruit	voće	Water	voda
Breakfast	doručak	Cup	šalica
Lunch	ručak	Fork	vilica
Dinner/supper	večera	Knife	nož
Too much	previše	Plate	tanjur
Too little	premalo	Spoon	žlica