In June 2025, Hamza O., a Moroccan citizen, brutally assaulted a police officer in Zagreb, leading to a court case that culminated in a conditional sentence imposed by the Zagreb Municipal Criminal Court. The court imposed a one-year conditional sentence with a probation period of five years, which means he will face monitoring during this duration rather than jail time. In light of this conviction, Croatian authorities have decided to proceed with his expulsion from the country.

On March 16, 2026, the decision for his expulsion was made, accompanied by a prohibition on re-entry into the European Economic Area (EEA). The authorities noted that he must be forcibly removed from the EEA as per the Law on Foreigners. Until his expulsion is executed, his freedom of movement has been restricted as he is held in an Immigration Reception Center. This reflects Croatia's stringent measures regarding foreign nationals who engage in criminal activities.

The case has raised concerns due to Hamza O. having prior legal issues in other EU countries, although he has not faced any charges in Croatia prior to this incident. The judge considered various mitigating circumstances when determining his sentence, which has drawn some criticism from the public regarding how such matters are handled for foreign nationals. This incident highlights ongoing debates in Croatia about immigration, law enforcement, and public safety, particularly concerning the treatment of foreigners in the judicial system.