The Framework of Criminal Law

Legislation on Bias-motivated Violence

Bias-motivated Violent Crimes as Specific Offenses	Bias as an Express General Aggravating Factor	Bias as an Aggravating Factor in Specific Common Crimes
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Bias Types Covered by Provisions on Aggravating Circumstances

Race/National Origin/Ethnicity	Religion	Sexual Orientation	Gender	Disability	Other
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Bias as an Express General Aggravating Factor

On June 9, 2006, the Croatian parliament adopted amendments to the criminal code. The amendment to article 89, which entered into force on October 1, 2006, defines hate crimes as “any criminal act according to the Criminal Code, committed by reasons of hatred towards a person on the basis of his/her race, skin color, sex, sexual orientation, language, religion, political or other belief, national or social background, property, birth, education, social status, age, medical status or any other attribute.”[1] According to Croatian officials, this provision allows for enhanced penalties in all crimes that meet the definition of a hate crime.[2]

Bias as an Aggravating Factor in Specific Common Crimes

Additionally, as a result of 2006 amendments, the word “hate” was added to Article 91(6), Aggravated Murder. The article provides enhanced penalties for those “who kill another person out of ruthless revenge, hate, or other extremely low motives.”[3]

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[1] Criminal Code of Croatia, Article 89, Paragraph 36.

[2] Human Rights First Interview with Tatjana Kralj, Counselor, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, December 6, 2007.

[3] Criminal Code of Croatia, Article 91, Paragraph 6.