"Croatian Six"

Barrister Sebastian De Brennan. Image Credit ABC

In recent weeks you may have received communication regarding an update in the case of the "Croatian Six", and the enquiry that will be happening later this year seeking their acquittal.

There is a community fundraising effort under way to raise $2,000,000 to assist with legal fees.

On behalf of all the Australian Croatian Chamber of Commerce we reached out to Marsden Lawyers to seek some clarity on governance and transparency regarding the fundraising, and we are sharing their response with you.

Q1. Are you willing to share the status of how much money has been raised?

A1. Yes, I have no difficulty in sharing updates as to the fundraising. 

Q2. Are you willing to share ongoing transparency of the expenditure of the funds raised?

 A2. Yes, we have set up an email database to share ongoing updates (to all contributors) on the case and what the trust monies will be attributed to.

Q3. Down the line should there be a settlement, we understand this will be a separate process to the current one, will there be a reimbursement to the financial supporters of the procedures?

A3. As this is an inquiry and as you have said below, any application for costs would likely be a separate application, I cannot confirm that any application would be made and or provide advice as to its prospects of success. I would not wish to mislead anyone in this regard.

We hope this information is useful in your decision should you wish to contribute to the legal fees.

For further information please feel free to contact:

Sharon Ramsden, Partner
Accredited Specialist Criminal Law, Criminal Law Department Marsdens Law Group
E sramsden@marsdens.net.au 
W http://www.marsdens.net.au