
Marko Perković's show triggers backlash for pro-Fascist symbolism
The event, held over the weekend in the capital, Zagreb, reportedly attracted around half a million attendees, making it the largest concert ever held in Croatia, according to local police.
The controversy centers on the song Bojna Čavoglave, one of Perković's signature anthems, which opens with the phrase "Za dom spremni" ("For the homeland — Ready!"). The slogan was infamously used by the Ustasha, the fascist puppet regime allied with Nazi Germany during World War II. The Ustasha was responsible for running concentration camps in which tens of thousands of Serbs, Jews, Roma, and anti-fascist Croats were killed.
Video footage broadcast by Croatian media showed many concertgoers giving pro-Nazi salutes during the performance. While the use of such gestures is punishable under Croatian law, courts have previously ruled that Perković may use the slogan as part of his song. Public broadcaster HRT reported that the exemption was due to its association with the Croatian War of Independence in the 1990s, in which Perković fought and later claimed the phrase was repurposed in that context.
Despite that claim, critics say the salute's origins are unequivocally tied to the Ustasha regime. Regional outlet N1 television said modern attempts to reinterpret the salute cannot erase its fascist roots, adding, "While Germans have made a clean break from their Nazi past, Croatia is nowhere near that in 2025."
Perković's immense popularity has long reflected the strong nationalist undercurrents in Croatian society, even three decades after the 1991–95 war with ethnic Serb rebels who, backed by Serbia, sought to break away from newly independent Croatia. The singer, who named himself after a Thompson submachine gun he reportedly used in combat, has been barred from performing in several European cities due to frequent pro-Ustasha symbolism and messaging at his shows.
Croatian daily Večernji list noted that while the concert was a feat of organization, its legacy may be overshadowed by the controversial salute, which the paper said invokes "mass executions of people."
The concert has also provoked reactions abroad. In neighboring Serbia, President Aleksandar Vučić condemned the event as a display of "support for pro-Nazi values," while former Serbian president Boris Tadić called it a "shame for Croatia and the European Union," accusing it of glorifying crimes against Serbs.
Croatia, which joined the EU in 2013, deployed thousands of police officers to secure the concert. Authorities reported no significant incidents.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Toronto Star
5 hours ago
- Toronto Star
Australia's Parliament resumes with pro-Palestinian protests and calls for Israel sanctions
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Australia's Parliament resumed Tuesday for the first time since the center-left Labor Party won one of the nation's largest-ever majorities in the May elections. The day was largely ceremonial, with reminders of conflict in the Middle East. Hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered outside Parliament House on Tuesday, calling for the government to impose sanctions on Israel after Australia joined another 27 countries in issuing a joint statement, saying the war in Gaza 'must end now.'


Japan Forward
8 hours ago
- Japan Forward
An Imperial Week in Photos: Emperor and Empress Conclude Historic Mongolia Trip
On July 11, Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attended the opening ceremony of Naadam, Mongolia's largest national festival. They watched traditional archery events and participated in shagai , a game in which animal bones are flicked with the fingers to hit a target. When Empress Masako successfully hit a high-scoring target, the audience erupted in applause. Empress Masako playing shagai, a traditional game in which animal bones are flicked at a target — afternoon of July 11, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. On July 12, Their Majesties observed the festival's main event: horse racing. They applauded enthusiastically as children rode horses across the course. His Majesty also took photographs with his personal camera. Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress tour the information center at Hustai National Park — afternoon of July 12, Töv Province, Mongolia. Later that day, the Emperor and Empress visited Hustai National Park to observe a herd of Przewalski's horses, considered the world's oldest breed of wild horse. They were invited to name a foal. Emperor Naruhito chose "Tomo" (Friend), while Empress Masako chose "Ai" (Love). Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress observe Przewalski's horses at Hustai National Park — afternoon of July 12, Töv Province, Mongolia. On July 13, the imperial couple concluded their 8-day trip with a meeting with President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh at the presidential residence. That evening, they returned to Japan aboard the government aircraft. Upon arrival, they were warmly welcomed by Crown Prince Fumihito, Crown Princess Kiko, and officials. The couple exchanged friendly words with those who came to greet them. After their return, Their Majesties released a statement reflecting on the trip: "We sincerely hope that the friendship and cooperative relationship between Japan and Mongolia will continue to deepen." Although His Majesty had previously visited Mongolia in 2007 as Crown Prince, this was their first visit as a couple. They described the journey as a "very memorable experience." Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress depart from Chinggis Khaan International Airport — afternoon of July 13, outskirts of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. (©Sankei by Kazuya Kamogawa) They also spoke about their visit to a memorial for Japanese internees who were held in Mongolia by the Soviet Union after World War II. His Majesty remarked, "It reminded us of the importance of never forgetting those who perished in the war, deepening our understanding of the past, and fostering a spirit that cherishes peace." On July 14, Emperor Emeritus Akihito, father of the current emperor, was admitted to the University of Tokyo Hospital. He began a new treatment for asymptomatic myocardial ischemia and related conditions. Empress Emerita Michiko accompanied him. According to the Imperial Household Agency, doctors have prescribed a new oral medication to ease the strain on his heart. His condition will be closely monitored through tests such as electrocardiograms as physicians adjust the dosage. On July 11, Crown Prince Fumihito, Crown Princess Kiko, and their family visited the Tokyo Photographic Art Museum in Meguro Ward. They viewed the exhibition Hiroshima 1945 , which marks 80 years since the atomic bombing. The exhibition featured around 160 photographs, including images taken shortly after the bombing by news agencies and others. Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko, with their second daughter Princess Kako and son Prince Hisahito, view the "Hiroshima 1945" exhibition — morning of July 11, Tokyo Photographic Art Museum, Meguro Ward, Tokyo. While viewing a photo taken near the hypocenter, Prince Fumihito remarked, "The blast must have been extremely powerful." According to a museum guide, their second daughter, Princess Kako, also reflected, "I could sense the inner conflict the photographers must have felt as they took these pictures." On July 15 and 16, Princess Kiko visited Miyagi Prefecture to attend several events, including the 61st National Convention for Promoting Blood Donation. On July 16, she visited the Akiu Kagayaki Support School in Sendai City, where she visited Doma Café, a space designed for interaction and learning between students and local residents. She also toured the Tohoku History Museum in Tagajo City. On July 15 in Sendai City, Crown Princess Kiko speaks with students at Doma Café of Miyagi Prefectural Akiu Kagayaki Support School. Later that day, she attended the national blood donation convention at Sendai Sunplaza Hall. In her remarks, she stated, "To ensure a stable supply of blood in the future, it is important for younger generations to understand and participate in blood donation." Also on July 14, Princess Hisako attended the 38th Advanced Technology Award for Pioneering Originality ceremony, held at the Meiji Kinenkan in Minato Ward, Tokyo. The award recognizes outstanding achievements by students in science and engineering, as well as by young corporate researchers. Her Imperial Highness offered words of praise to the recipients. On July 14 at Meiji Kinenkan in Moto-Akasaka, Tokyo, Princess Hisako delivers remarks at the 38th Advanced Technology Award ceremony. (©Sankei by Takumi Kamoshita) ( Read the article in Japanese . ) Author: Masashi Nakamura and Tomomi Yoshizawa, The Sankei Shimbun


Toronto Star
12 hours ago
- Toronto Star
Man accused of setting fire to 11 NYPD vehicles is arrested and charged with arson
NEW YORK (AP) — A man with a history of arrests at pro-Palestinian protests was charged Monday with setting fire to 11 New York City police vehicles last month.