Deltaria

[Rogue]

Stefanisti - In a attack that has shocked the nation the Governor of Gradnica, Nikša Pajić, was killed by the blast of several detonated explosives triggered during a political speech in the Gradnican capital of Stefanisti. The attack is one of the first terrorist attacks in Deltaria in recent memory. At least five others were also killed, including four bodyguards of the Governor, and at least one bystander. Several others were wounded. 

In the early afternoon Pajić, only elected two months ago, walked on the stage of a political rally held by his party the KDU. Just two minutes into his speech, at least five explosions followed each other in sequence and crowds scattered in panic. It took local police at least 15 minutes to reach the scene as the panicked crowd blocked them from effectively responding. Meanwhile federal authorities did not enter the scene till at least half an hour after the explosions. 

The attacked was quickly claimed by "Gradničanski Odbrambeni" or "Gradnican Defense". The group, until now largely known for their marches near the border, claims to defend Gradnica and its integrity. The group is largely known for their anti-jelbic rhetoric, believing that the refugee camps in the border regions pose a "threat to our way of life" and that increasing numbers of Jelbic migrants are "overwhelming" Deltarian society. 

Pajić was elected on a platform of moderation, with voters from the left and right supporting his candidacy as he pushed for better conditions in Gradnican refugee camps and called for negotiations on a safe return home to Jelbe. His tolerance has thus cost him his life. 

Politicians from across the political spectrum have condemned the attacks, with the oppossition blaming the federal government for failing to identify the threat. Minister of State Security Martina Miškulin is being blamed, as the federal government did not offer protection to the governor and responded slowly to the attack, likely resulting in more casualties. Miškulin herself made things worse after suggesting that local authorities were to blame for a lack of readiness, even though terrorist threats fall under her jurisdiction. 

The attack comes at a time where the Bastašić government is facing scandal after scandal, with Imperial Treasurer Božo Sedlar refusing to step down and the Prime Minister refusing to sack him despite a recent conviction of nepotism and corruption. Additionally, more corruption related scandals have plagued the government, with the lack of readiness from federal security agencies partially being blamed on cuts in the budget and a failure to effectively spend available funds. Social Liberals within the NsS cabinet have already issued protests with the PM, becoming uneasy with the way government is being run.

The State Security Service has launched a investigation into the attack, working with other agencies in finding answers. Prime Minister Bastašić signed a memorandum just two hours after the attack declaring Gradničanski Odbrambeni a terrorist group. Federal and local authorities have called on the public to provide any and all information that could lead to the apprehension of any of its members, rewarding two million DTE for the group's leader, Božidar Jelić.

Published in May 5697
Deltarac is the public broadcasting agency funded by the Imperial Government but operated independently. It is Deltaria's oldest news organization