Croatian veterans' opposition to foreign performers

Croatian veterans' associations have initiated protests and policy demands regarding foreign performers. Initially, the Association of Croatian Homeland War Veterans 91 (UHBDR91) called for singer Jakov Jozinović to cancel scheduled concerts in Niš, Serbia. Mladen Pavković, president of UHBDR91, labeled the timing of the November performances as ‘scandalous and insulting to all victims of the Homeland War,’ noting the proximity to remembrance days for victims of the Homeland War.

Following these protests, the Association of Croatian Veterans (UHB RH) expanded its focus by calling on state institutions to implement strict regulations and mandatory checks for foreign performers entering Croatia. The association is urging the government to prohibit artists who they claim spread hatred, glorify criminals, or fail to recognize crimes committed against Croatia. They cited several figures, including Miroslav Ilić and Lepa Brena, as examples of individuals who have allegedly incited hatred against the Croatian nation. The group stated they are seeking accountability rather than censorship, emphasizing the need to verify an artist's background before they are granted public platforms and financial gain within the country.