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Croatian veterans' opposition to foreign performers

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2026-10-10 19:11 UTC → 2026-10-16 16:51 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.’ 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. They are urging the government to prohibit artists who they claim spread hatred, glorify criminals, or fail to recognize crimes committed against Croatia. They cited figures such as Miroslav Ilić, Lepa Brena, Momčilo Bajagić-Bajaga, and Dejan Medaković as examples of individuals who have allegedly incited hatred. The pressure has led to tangible disruptions. Organizers of a Bajaga i Instruktori concert scheduled for October 17 in Koprivnica announced its cancellation, stating that unverified information created ‘undue pressure’ and made it impossible to guarantee a ‘safe and positive environment.’ Additionally, the Istarska udruga dragovoljaca Domovinskog rata requested that the Pula Mayor cancel Bajaga’s New Year's Eve engagement. ~~New controversies have emerged regarding~~ Controversy surrounding Jakov Jozinović has intensified following ~~the viral spread of a video showing him performing a song by Marko Perković Thompson, leading to social media calls for~~ his decision to proceed with the Niš concerts at Čair hall on November 14 and 15. The performances coincide with the anniversaries of the fall of Vukovar and the massacre in Škabrnja. While Jozinović maintains that ‘music is not connected to ~~be banned.~~ politics,’ critics have characterized the decision as an act of opportunism driven by profit over historical sensitivity. Meanwhile, legal experts note that individuals posting controversial war-era symbols could face fines or expulsion from Croatia, citing a recent case where a football player was fined 1,500 euros for a social media post featuring Ratko Mladić.

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