Ronaldo Barišić fined 3,150 euros for spreading false news and displaying Ustaše symbols

Ronaldo Barišić, president of the Association for a Better Croatia, has been found guilty by the Municipal Court in Rijeka for three misdemeanors committed during a protest in November 2023. The court imposed a total fine of 3,150 euros.

The charges include spreading false information, displaying symbols associated with the Ustaše movement, and failing to maintain public order as a protest leader. Specifically, Barišić was fined 2,100 euros for displaying a HOS flag with the slogan ‘Za dom spremni’. He received a 750-euro fine for spreading false claims that a migrant had nearly killed a nun and making unsubstantiated statements regarding migrants spreading disease. An additional 300 euros was assessed for failing to prevent the singing of a song related to an Ustaše member during the gathering.

The court ruled that the symbols were displayed outside the context of a formal commemoration, thereby violating public order. Barišić has stated that the decision is not legally binding as he has not been officially served, and he intends to appeal the ruling to higher courts. Member of Parliament Igor Peternel criticized the verdict, arguing it sends a political message that the legal system does not function equally in certain parts of Croatia.