Controversial Concert in Croatia Draws Criticism Over Fascist Symbolism

A large concert in Zagreb, Croatia, by the singer Marko Perković, known as "Thompson," has sparked significant controversy. The event, which reportedly drew an estimated half a million attendees, is considered the largest concert ever held in the country, according to local police. However, the focus of the criticism centers on the actions of the crowd and the symbolism associated with the performance.

The controversy stems from the use of the phrase "Za dom spremni" ("For the homeland — Ready!") during the performance of Perković's song "Bojna Čavoglave." This phrase was a key slogan of the Ustasha, the fascist regime that collaborated with Nazi Germany during World War II. The Ustasha was responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands of people in concentration camps, including Serbs, Jews, Roma, and anti-fascist Croats.

Video footage from the concert showed many attendees performing salutes associated with the Ustasha. While such gestures are illegal under Croatian law, courts have previously allowed Perković to use the slogan in his song, citing its association with the Croatian War of Independence in the 1990s. Critics, however, argue that the salute's origins are undeniably linked to the fascist regime and cannot be reinterpreted.

Perković's popularity reflects strong nationalist sentiments within Croatian society. He has been barred from performing in several European cities due to the frequent use of pro-Ustasha symbolism and messaging at his concerts. The recent concert, despite its organizational success, is likely to be remembered for the controversial salute, which evokes the memory of mass executions.

The concert has also drawn international condemnation. Serbian leaders have criticized the event as a display of support for pro-Nazi values and a glorification of crimes against Serbs. Croatia, a member of the European Union since 2013, deployed a large police presence to secure the concert, and authorities reported no major incidents.