Rijeka mural controversy: Activists cover HOS mural in red paint

The civic initiative ‘Ulice bez mržnje’ (Streets Without Hate) has claimed responsibility for covering a HOS mural in red paint in the Škurinje neighborhood of Rijeka. The mural, located near the Ivan Zajc Primary School, features the HOS coat of arms and the salute ‘Za dom spremni’.

In a statement, the initiative explained that the red color serves as a reminder of the blood of innocent victims—including Serbs, Jews, Roma, and Croatian anti-fascists—killed under the Ustaše regime. They stated they refuse to accept the normalization of symbols associated with a regime responsible for mass crimes.

The incident has sparked significant political tension in Rijeka. Mayor Iva Rinčić condemned the act as vandalism, regardless of the motive, and urged that such issues be resolved through institutional channels. Conversely, the SDP Rijeka criticized the local government for failing to consistently enforce previous decisions to remove the controversial symbols.

Veterans' groups have labeled the act a deliberate provocation, while the political group Možemo supported the initiative's right to protest but criticized the city's handling of the situation and its relationship with the Armada supporter group.