The Croatian Journalist’s Guide to Criminal Procedure (Vodiè kroz Kazneni Postupak) was published jointly by CEELI, IREX/ProMedia, USAID and Press Data (a publishing branch of the Croatian Journalist’s Association).

This guide describes the criminal procedure rules from the investigation stage through the appeal process, was written specifically for journalists by Judge Marin Mrcela, a well respected judge on the Zagreb County court.

The guide identifies and provides solutions to common mistakes journalists make in covering criminal cases. For example, the guide explains that it is incorrect to report that a person has been “found innocent” if the case against her is dismissed because the statute of limitations has expired.

On June 27, 2002, CEELI hosted a public presentation of the book. Many important members of the legal community attended, including the President of the Supreme Court, Ivica Crnic, several other Supreme Court justices and an Assistant Minister of Justice. The speeches touched on the importance of journalistic integrity and accuracy when reporting on judicial matters. Several speakers mentioned that they hoped that the guide would be the first step in the improvement of reporting standards.

As the first publication incorporating the new amendments to Croatia's Criminal Procedure Code, the guide will serve as a useful reference tool for journalists. CEELI intends for this publication to act as a catalyst for inter-professional dialogue.

CEELI and IREX will conduct follow-on training sessions in late 2002 and early 2003 throughout Croatia, using the book as a guide. The trainings will be half-day sessions using Croatian journalists and judges as trainers.