Saša Milovanović, known as Sale Veruda, the guitarist and co-founder of the punk band KUD Idijoti, was physically assaulted in Pula, Croatia, during the early hours of July 17. Milovanović and his wife, Martina, were attacked after confronting a group of young men for vandalizing property in the city center.
The Incident in Ulica Sergijevaca
The assault occurred around 1:00 a.m. in Pula’s Ulica Sergijevaca, a historic street where Milovanović operates a well-known stall selling vinyl records and CDs. When the 63-year-old musician intervened to request that the group stop their disruptive behavior, the situation escalated into a physical confrontation.
Milovanović described the group as consisting of five or six individuals, noting that they were significantly larger than him. He stated that his wife, 42-year-old Martina, initially warned the group from a distance that their behavior was unacceptable for visitors in a foreign country. When Milovanović approached to reiterate the warning and threaten police intervention, the group responded with violence.
“Stvarno nisam očekivao takvu reakciju. Napali su me rukama i nogama. Pun sam modrica i ogrebotina, natekao mi je zglob, a majica je bila potpuno pocepana. Kada je policija stigla, izgledao sam grozno. Napadači su najpre pobegli, a zatim su se vratili i ponovo napali mene i Martinu dok smo sedeli na klupi. Branili smo se kako smo znali, a tek kada su komšije izašle iz kuća, počinioci su pobegli.”
Saša Milovanović (Sale Veruda), via Telegraf
Community and Police Response
Following the attack, the perpetrators fled the scene, though local police confirmed that an investigation is underway. Authorities are currently reviewing video surveillance from Ulica Sergijevaca, which is equipped with cameras, to identify the individuals involved. Milovanović expressed hope that the footage would lead to an identification of the attackers, whom he speculated might be British tourists frustrated by a recent football match result.
Milovanović declined medical treatment at a hospital despite his injuries, which included bruising, scratches, and a swollen wrist. He noted that this was not his first time witnessing such behavior near his stall, stating that he has frequently observed passersby discarding neatly stacked packaging in front of local shops.
Legacy of KUD Idijoti
The incident has drawn significant attention due to Milovanović’s status as a foundational figure in the regional punk scene. The band’s influence solidified with classic albums such as Mi smo ovdje samo zbog para (1990) and Glupost je neuništiva (1992).
Following the death of the band’s lead singer, Branko Črnac Tusta, in 2012, Milovanović maintained that the group’s story had concluded. He has since continued his musical career with the band Saša 21 while remaining a fixture in Pula’s cultural life. Supporters have characterized the attack on Milovanović as a symbolic affront to a man who, throughout his four-decade career, has consistently advocated for social responsibility and refused to ignore public disorder.
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