The European Commission announced today, regarding the recently held concert by Marko Perković Thompson, known for displaying Ustaše symbols in his songs and performances, that they strongly condemn any expression of fascism that recalls the darkest periods of European history. The Commission also reiterated that European Union member states are obligated to criminally sanction hate speech.
This was the response from an EC spokesperson to Tanjug’s inquiry about the Commission’s reaction to the concert and the chanting of “Za dom spremni” and other Ustaše symbolism used during performances.
“At the EU level, there is a Framework Decision on combating racism and xenophobia, which obliges Member States to criminally sanction hate speech. This includes public incitement to violence or hatred against individuals or groups on grounds of race, color, religion, descent, or national or ethnic origin,” the EC stated in a press release.
It was emphasized that Member States are also obliged to criminally prosecute the public approval, denial, or gross trivialization of crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes.
“For every individual report of hate speech or hate crime, the national authorities are competent, and they are obliged to act in accordance with national legislation by which they have implemented this Framework Decision,” the EC added.
Marko Perković Thompson is known for glorifying the Ustaše in his songs and performances, where he often shouts “Za dom spremni” (For homeland ready), the official salute in the Nazi-aligned Independent State of Croatia, which is considered equivalent to the Nazi “Sieg Heil” salute.
Thompson’s concerts have so far been banned in the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, and Slovenia, countries that describe him as a promoter of neo-Nazism and Ustašism.
Following the concert in Zagreb, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković defended the originally Ustaše salute “Za dom spremni” by stating that it is an “integral part of Thompson’s repertoire” and that “we all must be proud of the concert.”
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Source: Tanjug; Foto: Pixabay