President Milanović Meets with Lawyer and Family of Captain Marko Bekavac

The President of the Republic Zoran Milanović met today with the family members and lawyer of Croatian seafarer Captain Marko Bekavac, who has been held in pre-trial detention in Turkey since October 2023.

Captain Bekavac was charged and sentenced in Turkey to 30 years in prison after drugs were found on a Turkish ship under his command. Lawyer Jasna Kotarac Jabuka briefed President Milanović on the progress of the court proceedings and the legal measures taken in Bekavac’s defense. Bekavac is currently awaiting the outcome of his appeal before the Supreme Court of Appeals in Ankara. The meeting also addressed the consular and legal assistance the Republic of Croatia is providing to support the captain in securing a favourable outcome in the appeal process.

Also present at the meeting were the captain’s brother, Jozo Bekavac, and his former wife, Katja Bekavac. President Milanović was accompanied by his Foreign and European Policy Adviser Neven Pelicarić and Assistant Adviser for Foreign and European Policy Ivan Mutavdžić.

PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Ana Marija Katić