Ivan Novinšek

In the forest of Pritržnik, opposite house number Graška Gora 27, the fighter Ivan Novinšek from Škalskih Cirkovc of the Šercerjeva brigade was shot and buried in 1944. It was precisely at this time that the brigade's patrol brought Andrej (correctly Ivan) Novinšek, who had deserted and had been hiding for two months from the partisans, to the brigade headquarters. They handed him over to the brigade headquarters, which sentenced him to death. This was meant to be a serious warning that one could no longer avoid partisan mobilization and freely abandon partisan ranks. The sentence was read out before a gathering of all brigade commanders on the road leading to Jesenjak's home. The punishment was carried out. This happened on 16 August 1944. Source: Jože Marolt, Šercerjeva brigada na Štajerskem, p. 127. Before the trial, we were locked in the cellar. The doors suddenly opened. A partisan entered with military insignia and asked for a chain and a shovel, saying: I will not bring the tools back.. Source: A tale told by an old Jesenjak shortly before his death, in 2022.