OSCE Mission to Croatia concerned that refugee may lose house a second time

ZAGREB, 24 February 2005 - The Head of the OSCE Mission to Croatia is concerned that Serb refugee Jovan Rapaic, who repossessed his house in Korenica only after a long legal battle, may lose it again.

The temporary occupant was finally evicted today after illegally using Jovan Rapaic's home as a successful private business for almost 10 years. The occupant did not pay rent to the legal owner.

Although Korenica Municipal Court ordered the eviction, it also decided on 17 February 2005 that Mr. Rapaic should compensate the temporary occupant 30,000 euro for investments made in the house. Unable to afford to pay such a large amount of money, the Korenica court also ordered the auction of the property immediately after Mr. Rapaic's repossession.

The Head of the OSCE Mission, Ambassador Peter Semneby, commented that such court practices should be stopped.

"Jovan Rapaic's case is about unfair and incomplete legal regulations that are being applied by biased courts who favour the interests of the temporary occupants," he said.

"This case highlights the need for urgent change in the current legislation and in court practice," he added.

The court order to auction the house should have been executed today, however it was postponed after Mr. Rapaic's wife filed an appeal against the decision.