USKOK rejects claims it is protecting individuals

"Theories that the investigation into the Software case is a slap in the face and embarrassment for USKOK is absolutely untrue and malicious. This is a case of the legally regulated procedure of a section of the delegated European prosecutor who acts as a part of USKOK for a case that is in its remit," said Marusic in a video statement released on the State Prosecutor's website.

She added that certain theories are being floated in the public that USKOK and the State Prosecutor's Office (DORH) are protecting certain individuals and that is the reason why certain investigations are not being launched and that they are acting under the influence and in line with the interests of other branches of government.

"That is absolutely untrue. That that is the case can be confirmed by the fact that prior to launching this particular investigation, USKOK launched two investigations against these same people for corruption. USKOK also conducted investigations in this particular case, and as has been previously reported, certain documents were collected and several people were questioned as part of the investigation," Marusic said.

She said that after the delegated European prosecutor's section started operating, "procedures in this particular case" were taken over by the section pursuant to its authority, "which will also be the case in other cases that fall under its remit."

Marusic recalled that Croatia is one of 22 countries that acceded to the European Public Prosecutor's Office, which does not have the authority to bring cases before national courts.

"It is up to member states to regulate the organisation and structure of the delegated European prosecutors who are authorised to bring cases before national courts," said Marusic.