Bajaga i Instruktori concert in Koprivnica cancelled

The concert of Momčilo Bajagić Bajaga and his band, Bajaga i Instruktori, scheduled for October 17 in Koprivnica, has been cancelled. Organizers stated that unverified information in the public sphere created unnecessary pressure on the performers, partners, and organizers, making it impossible to ensure the safe and positive environment expected by the audience. All ticket holders are entitled to a full refund via the Entrio system.

The cancellation follows intense pressure from Croatian veteran associations. The Istrian Association of Homeland War Volunteers has also called on the Mayor of Pula, Peđa Grbin, to cancel Bajaga’s scheduled New Year's Eve performance, requesting a Croatian artist instead. The association claims Bajaga performed for forces that attacked Croatia during the war. While the Mayor of Pula stated that performer selection would not involve such political considerations, the controversy has prompted calls from the Association of Croatian Veterans for the government to implement stricter vetting for foreign artists to prevent those who allegedly glorify war criminals or spread hatred from performing in the country.