Violence in Southeast Europe: Comparative analysis of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina
The main aim of the research is to provide an overview of violent crimes in Southeast Europe and this is a continuation of last year’s research conducted in Croatia, funded by the University of Zagreb. A comparative analysis will be carried out in cooperation with foreign partners from the Balkan Criminology Network, the network of the Max Planck partner group at the Faculty of Law in Zagreb. A strong perception about Southeast Europe considers the region as an area with relatively higher levels of violence in comparison with the rest of the continent. The main objective of the study, therefore, is to scientifically examine that understanding by providing an overview of the violent crime in Southeast Europe. In the terms of the content, the research encompasses the analysis of criminal offences, as well as criminological phenomenology of (1) murder, understood extensively as any intentional killing including aggravated murder, manslaughter, killing on request, infanticide, as well as other aggravated and privileged forms; (2) different types of aggravated bodily injuries; and (3) participation in an affray.
Legal framework, especially rules and practice of sentencing, phenomenology of violence, levels and tendencies of crime, as well as demographical characteristics of perpetrators and victims are analysed. The research uses quantitative and qualitative research methods, which includes an analysis of the relevant judgements and court records, as well as undertaking of interviews with relevant professionals. Comparative analysis is conducted in the cooperation with international Balkan Criminology Network partners, and it will gather, present and interpret data on violence in particular countries and in the region as a whole. In accordance with the research objective, the work plan comprises of the three phases – (1) preparation and coordination, (2) obtaining data and (3) data analysis phase.
Expected contribution of the research lies in the better understanding of the legal framework of violent criminal offences, but also of the criminological phenomenon of violent crimes in Southeast Europe. Valid and reliable data, as well as their correct interpretation are crucial for the creation and application of efficient criminal justice policies. Because of this, the research has a concrete additional value not only for the scientific community, but also for the society as a whole.
The research has been financially supported by the University of Zagreb.
Head of the project
Assoc.Prof. Anna-Maria Getoš Kalac
Members of the project team
External Experts
- Dr. Michael Kilchling
- Assist.Prof. Almir Maljević
- Assist.Prof. Andra-Roxana Trandafir
MPPG contact for Violence in Southeast Europe
info@balkan-criminology.eu