Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic on Wednesday announced amendments to the Criminal Code under which social workers would be awarded the status of officials, adding that security at social welfare centres would be stepped up.

Plenkovic and Minister of Demography, the Family, Youth and Social Policy Nada Murganic on Wednesday received representatives of chambers, unions and associations of social workers after social worker Blazenka Poplasen was shot dead and legal counsel Ivan Pavic was seriously wounded in a shooting incident at the social welfare centre in the eastern town of Djakovo on Tuesday.

After the meeting in Government House, the prime minister said that it was concluded that there are several areas in which the social welfare system can be improved and advanced.

He announced amendments to the Criminal Code which would classify social workers as officials, which Plenkovic believes will reduce the number of threats and physical attacks on social workers.

Physical security, too, will be stepped up at social welfare centres despite the system being improved 20 years ago after a similar incident in Split.

Plenkovic said that it was necessary to improve inter-portfolio cooperation so that everyone can be completely informed and be in a position to make adequate risk assessments and determine procedures.

After undergoing surgery at an Osijek hospital, Pavic’s condition is still serious.

Andrija Drežnjak (61), who ran off after the shooting on Tuesday, was arrested later that day after his whereabouts were reported by local residents.