Zelena akcija / FoE Croatia Launches "Justice for Vrginmost" Campaign

The campaign aims to halt the violence being inflicted by the polluter on the local community and environment, secure compensation, and ensure that the authorities fairly punish the responsible parties.

Since the Sisak-Moslavina County granted a permit to the polluter, who opened a "waste management" company in Vrginmost in the Municipality of Gvozd, the community has been suffocated by various forms of plastic and plastic waste, microplastics, and by-products of melting. Potential health consequences for the residents include infertility, miscarriages, and cancer.

It is important to highlight that Vrginmost is a small place in the Municipality of Gvozd, a deprived area of special state concern, full of children and young people whose school and kindergarten are 100 metres from the plastic melting facility. Besides the children, a large part of the population consists of women, especially the elderly, who are most susceptible to various illnesses. Examples of potential health consequences include infertility, miscarriages, and cancer.

The residents were promised new jobs, which they accepted. However, upon discovering the true nature of "waste management," they immediately withdrew. Instead of jobs, they received thick black smoke and environmental pollution that could have long-lasting effects on their quality of life.

Even though the state inspectorate ordered the county to revoke the operating licence, the plant continues to operate behind closed doors, while the authorities remain silent and the institutions do not respond.

As part of the campaign, a series of public events will be organised in Vrginmost (Municipality of Gvozd) and Zagreb. A special edition of "Plastic-Free July" will also be held in Vrginmost and Zagreb.

ACTIVITIES

• 3 July 2024 / Zagreb / Performance on the occasion of International Plastic-Free Day and Plastic-Free July
• 4 July 2024 / 15.00 / Vrginmost / Protest "Justice for Vrginmost in the Municipality of Gvozd"
• 5 July 2024 / 9.00 - 23.00 / Vrginmost / "Plastic-Free July" in Vrginmost