Zarko Zrenjanin Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Yugoslavia Date of Birth: 11.09.1902

1. Early Life and Education
2. Political Activism and Teaching
3. Founding the Communist Party of Yugoslavia
4. Establishment of the "Leninist" Newspaper
5. Prison and Political Activism
6. Release and Party Leadership
7. World War II and Leadership
8. Arrest and Execution

Early Life and Education

Žarko Zrenjanin was born on September 11, 1902, in the village of Izbište, Yugoslavia, to a poor peasant family. He attended elementary school in Vršac and later studied at grammar schools in Szeged, Bela Crkva, and Pančevo. In 1923, he graduated from the Teacher Training School in Sombor.

Political Activism and Teaching

While still a student, Zrenjanin joined the youth revolutionary movement. From 1923 to 1926, he worked as a teacher in the village of Kanatlarci. In 1926, he came into conflict with authorities due to his political beliefs and was arrested several times.

Founding the Communist Party of Yugoslavia

In 1927, Zrenjanin became a member of the Communist Party of Yugoslavia (CPY) and established its first branch in Izbište. In 1930, he was elected secretary of the South Banat Committee of the CPY.

Establishment of the "Leninist" Newspaper

In 1933, Zrenjanin established a secret printing press in his home in Izbište and published the first issue of the "Leninist," the official newspaper of the CPY in South Banat. He wrote many of its editorials and articles.

Prison and Political Activism

In April 1933, the printing press was discovered by police, and Zrenjanin was sentenced to three years of hard labor in Sremska Mitrovica and Lepoglava. Along with other prominent communists, he fought for the rights of political prisoners.

Release and Party Leadership

Upon his release in April 1936, Zrenjanin resumed political activity and was elected secretary of the South Banat Committee of the CPY in July. In September, he became a member of the Provincial Committee of the CPY in Vojvodina.

World War II and Leadership

During World War II, Zrenjanin was a prominent CPY activist. He organized party work, conducted propaganda, and wrote on various political issues. In 1938, he became secretary of the Temporary Leadership of the CPY in Vojvodina, and in February 1939, he became its political secretary.

Arrest and Execution

In May 1940, Zrenjanin was arrested and imprisoned in Petrovaradin prison. Despite his imprisonment, he was elected secretary of the Provincial Assembly of the CPY in Vojvodina in September. In November 1942, he was invited to the first session of AVNOJ but was betrayed to the Nazis before he could attend. He was assassinated on November 4, 1942, at the age of 40.