President Milanović Attends “Luka Ritz – Violence Is Not Courage” Award Presentation

The President of the Republic Zoran Milanović attended the “Luka Ritz – Violence Is Not Courage” award presentation traditionally hosted by the City Assembly of Zagreb on International Day for Tolerance 16 November, in memory of eighteen year-old Luka Ritz, who died tragically as a result of peer violence. This year’s award winners are Maja Kovačić, pupil from Kustošija Elementary School, and Katarina Kušt, pupil from the Zagreb secondary school  “Centar za odgoj i obrazovanje”. Their award was presented to them by the mayor of Zagreb Tomislav Tomašević and the president of the City Assembly of Zagreb Joško Klisović.

In his address President Milanović welcomed all those present and in particular the parents of the late Luka Ritz “Suzana and Reno, two people I wish I had never met, you know why. A judgement by the court is not sufficient, it was made, but is a poor consolation, you lost your son. Croatia has perpetuated his memory for thirteen years, and reacted promptly at the time. The extent of the horror was overwhelming”, President Milanović stated.

Furthermore, speaking about safety in Croatia today, the President agreed with the findings indicating that Croatia is the safest country in the European Union. “The level of public safety in Croatia is the highest even if we were fifth it would be good. If this is a result of your work, your appearance and the late Luka Ritz – it is reason for joy. I know this is true because our country and our city are safe”, President Milanović noted. However, he indicated the problem of cyberbullying. “The quantity of mental abuse and mobbing that youth and children are exposed to on social media is ten times worse than what we experienced”, the President noted, comparing the situation today with when he was growing up.

“Where does the problem lie? In the upbringing of boys and girls? I don’t know. Too much care isn’t good, children need to have freedom. The worst thing is when modern technology achievements are used to release one’s demons, fears, frustrations”, President Milanović said in concluding his address, and congratulated the pupils who are this year’s winners of the award for tolerance, mutual respect and elimination of youth violence.

Alongside President Milanović was his Adviser for Education Jadranka Žarković.

PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Tomislav Bušljeta