Police in Zagreb now say a Catholic sister who reported being stabbed outside her convent earlier this month actually injured herself and fabricated the attack, despite early speculation that the incident was religiously motivated. Authorities announced their findings after a four-day investigation and have filed a criminal complaint against 35-year-old Sister Marija Tatjana Zrno, reports the Catholic News Agency.
The case initially drew widespread attention after Zrno claimed an unknown assailant approached her in the Malešnica area of Zagreb and stabbed her in the abdomen before she managed to return to her convent. Croatian outlets reported that the attacker may have shouted “Allahu akbar,” though police never confirmed that detail.
Investigators briefly said they were examining possible “religious or ideological motivation."
Police now allege the evidence shows the stabbing did not occur as described. According to the updated report, Zrno purchased the knife herself at a store in the Zagreb area and later inflicted the wound before seeking help at the Sisters of Charity University Hospital Centre. Her injury was considered minor, and her condition was listed as stable.
Zrno, a member of the Sisters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul, is well known for her work with youth and gained attention during the 2022 World Cup for her comments on the relationship between faith and sport. She spoke publicly about the prayer habits of Croatian players, including Luka Modrić and Dominik Livaković, and helped organize a nationwide rosary initiative during the tournament.
Authorities have not offered a possible motive for the fabricated report. The criminal complaint has been forwarded to prosecutors as the case moves into its next phase.
The case initially drew widespread attention after Zrno claimed an unknown assailant approached her in the Malešnica area of Zagreb and stabbed her in the abdomen before she managed to return to her convent. Croatian outlets reported that the attacker may have shouted “Allahu akbar,” though police never confirmed that detail.
Investigators briefly said they were examining possible “religious or ideological motivation."
Police now allege the evidence shows the stabbing did not occur as described. According to the updated report, Zrno purchased the knife herself at a store in the Zagreb area and later inflicted the wound before seeking help at the Sisters of Charity University Hospital Centre. Her injury was considered minor, and her condition was listed as stable.
Zrno, a member of the Sisters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul, is well known for her work with youth and gained attention during the 2022 World Cup for her comments on the relationship between faith and sport. She spoke publicly about the prayer habits of Croatian players, including Luka Modrić and Dominik Livaković, and helped organize a nationwide rosary initiative during the tournament.
Authorities have not offered a possible motive for the fabricated report. The criminal complaint has been forwarded to prosecutors as the case moves into its next phase.
