Thousands March in Croatia Against Rising Fascism and Hate Speech

In response to increasing violence, threats, and hate speech in several Croatian cities, thousands participated in protest marches today under the collective slogan “United Against Fascism.” Organized in locations including Zagreb, Rijeka, Pula, and Zadar, the marches aimed to address societal concerns over the rise of fascism and intolerance.

Gatherings Across Major Cities

The central gathering took place in Zagreb, where participants marched from the Main Train Station to the Holocaust Victims and Ustaša Regime Memorial before proceeding to Ban Jelačić Square. Local media reported that the event unfolded peacefully, supported by a strong police presence. Several thousand people attended, highlighting the protest’s significance.

Ivona Grgurinović, a member of the United Against Fascism Initiative, emphasized the broader implications of the protest. She noted, “What we see as a wider cause is the increasing fascization of our society, intolerance towards others, and the relativization of Ustaša crimes. This is not only tolerated on the streets but also within government institutions, including the Croatian Parliament, with support from high levels of authority.”

Voices of Concern and Solidarity

Maja Sever, President of the Croatian Journalists’ Union and the European Federation of Journalists, raised alarms about the hostility many journalists have faced recently while performing their duties. She asserted that journalists will continue to stand as a “pillar of democracy” and remain unafraid to investigate and expose wrongdoing.

“It is unacceptable for individuals to be labeled a threat simply because they come from a different school, city, or country or engage in cultures that do not fit some people’s frameworks,” Sever stated. She encouraged a collective stance against violence and intimidation, asserting, “We have shown that we will not be silent and that we will fight together for a free and democratic society.”

Actor and film director Damir Markovina criticized the notion that artists and migrants are responsible for societal decline. He articulated frustration over a society held hostage by war profiteers and instigators of hate, stating, “For thirty-five years, we have been hostages to war, hate preachers, thugs, and bullies who carry out their dirty work.” Markovina also extended a message of solidarity to the Serbian community in Croatia, acknowledging their contributions to the nation.

Incidents of Tension and Police Presence

In Pula, more than a thousand people gathered in front of the Rojc Social Centre, joined by local officials, including Istrian County Prefect Boris Miletić and Mayor Peđa Grbin. Participants carried banners with messages like “Allergic to Fascism” and “Freedom is Stronger than Fear.”

Rijeka experienced heightened tension, with a march starting at Jadranski Square aimed towards the Liberation Monument. Prior to the event, police intervened to prevent potential clashes between march participants and a small group dressed in black who were chanting nationalistic slogans. The situation was defused by special police forces, allowing the protest to continue without major incidents.

In Zadar, a Dalmatian march also took place, attracting significant attention. A small group attempted to provoke a disturbance but was met with a strong police response, leading to a brief scuffle that did not escalate into serious violence.

The United Against Fascism Initiative comprises around ten organizations and was formed in response to what they describe as pervasive violence, fear, threats, and prohibitions. Organizers assert that the streets of Croatian cities are becoming increasingly unsafe, with rising relativization of Ustaša ideology and fascism. They aim to establish a long-term joint resistance against hate, violence, and intimidation, stating that these marches represent just the beginning of their efforts.