Police in Croatia have moved to file criminal charges against a Catholic nun who allegedly stabbed herself and then fabricated a story about being attacked by a Muslim immigrant. The incident, which initially sparked national outrage and fears of a religiously motivated hate crime, has taken a dramatic turn following a four-day police investigation.
From National Headlines to Criminal Complaint
The case began on Friday, November 28, when Sister Marija Tatjana Zrno, a 35-year-old nun from the Sisters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul in Zagreb, reported being stabbed by an unknown assailant. She claimed the attack occurred in the Malešnica residential district. Initial reports, fueled by unverified witness accounts, suggested the attacker shouted "Allahu Akbar", an Arabic phrase meaning "God is great".
The news quickly made national headlines, stirring significant anti-migrant sentiment in the country. Sister Zrno was treated at the Sisters of Charity Hospital Centre for several non-life-threatening wounds to her abdomen and was discharged on December 1. Zagreb Mayor Tomislav Tomašević and other officials expressed concern and demanded a swift investigation.
Police Investigation Unravels the Story
However, the Zagreb Police Department's criminal investigation reached a startling conclusion. Authorities announced they fully refute Sister Zrno's claims. Their probe allegedly confirmed that the nun purchased the weapon herself at a store in the Zagreb area and inflicted the injuries on herself.
The police stated that Sister Zrno falsely reported the criminal offense with the intent of misleading investigators, knowing that filing a false report is a punishable act. As a result, the department is filing a criminal complaint with the Municipal State Attorney's office against the 35-year-old.
Profile of the Accused and Fallout
Sister Marija Tatjana Zrno, born in Šujica, is known locally as a religion teacher at a Zagreb primary school and for her pastoral work with youth. She is also reported to be a football enthusiast. The revelation that she may have orchestrated the entire event has shocked her community and the wider public.
This case highlights the dangerous impact of fabricated hate crimes, which can inflame social and religious tensions based on falsehoods. The Croatian government's official X account had previously noted that all necessary measures were taken, and the police have now closed the investigation with findings that contradict the original, inflammatory narrative.
