Published 04.09.2024.   |  Nina Sauerborn
The directorate of the Clinical Medical Centar Osijek has confirmed that there has been no change in the circumstances related to the doctor's position
It is a case of sexual assault in the Clinical Medical Center Osijek. At the County Court in Osijek, a first instance verdict was handed down by which the doctor, a specialist in gynecology of CMC Osijek was accused of the criminal offense against sexual freedom: sexual assault and committing fornication to an unconditional prison sentence of 4 years. In addition to the prison sentence, he was also given a security measure prohibiting him from fully practicing the medical profession for a period of 4 years. The criminal offense according to the non-final verdict was committed during the performance of medical duties, and the Croatian Medical Chamber was also informed about everything, which did not react in the mentioned case, although in accordance with with positive regulations, it was possible to initiate disciplinary proceedings against this doctor and remove him from office after confirming the indictment while the criminal proceedings are ongoing. The Association for Women's Rights and the Development of Democracy "Adela" wrote an open letter directly to the Government of the Republic of Croatia, as well as to the Ministry of Health, and asked for official information on whether the accuse gynecologist is still working in the hospital in Osijek. The management of the hospital confirmed that "there were no changed circumstances that would point to a different decision of CMC Osijek".
We repeat the demand from our March for Women's Rights in Osijek: We demand an urgent amendment to the Law on Medicine by introducing a provision on the removal from the place of employment of a doctor against whom criminal proceedings are being conducted for a crime against sexual freedom to the detriment of female patients until the court verdict becomes final. The health and safety of patients must be a priority, without compromise.
The failure of the employer and competent institutions to react has led to the fact that almost 3 years after the commission of this serious criminal offense against the patient, the still not convicted offender is working unhindered!
Are the women of Osijek safe? Is their human right to health and a dignified life violated?
We invite everyone to join Count Darkula's digital action, in which the reaction of the competent authorities to this case is requested: https://drugikrak.com/Digitalna-akcija-c172826010