At Faculty of Maritime Studies in Split, panel discussion titled "Criminalization of Commanders and Command Responsibility" took place, where experts debated legal consequences that ship captains may face due to decisions made during navigation. Panellists included prof. Anita Kurtović Mišić Ph.D., prof. Emerita, Nikoleta Radinov Ph.D., Petar Kragić Ph.D., Milenko Martinović Ph.D., Igor Viro Ph.D., assoc. prof. Rino Bošnjak Ph.D., with moderator Captain Sanjin Dumanić engr. president of Split’s Association of Maritime Captains.
Particular attention was given to cases of captains Marko Bekavac and Kristo Laptalo, who faced serious charges due to discovery of drugs on their ships, despite lack of evidence linking them directly to trafficking. Legal experts from the faculties of law in Split and Zagreb, along with captains and president of Zagreb’s Association of Maritime Captains, shared their opinions. The final expert opinion on these cases will be forwarded to CESMA in Lisbon in May, where there will be further discussions on legal aspects and necessity of protecting seafarers from inappropriate criminalization.
