Published 22.10.2026. | Tena Mur
We strongly condemn the antisemitic slogans, symbols and symbolic displays, including a coffin placed on a car, used by certain members of the Torcida supporters’ group on the streets of Split on 14 October 2026. Messages directed against Jews constitute a serious manifestation of antisemitism, intolerance and disrespect for human dignity, while also serving as a painful reminder of the suffering endured by the Jewish people during the Holocaust.
Such conduct requires a decisive response from the police and the judiciary, as well as clear and unequivocal public condemnation by the highest state officials — the President of the Republic of Croatia, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia and the Speaker of the Croatian Parliament. The condemnation of antisemitism and all forms of hate speech must be a shared position of Croatian society.
We call on the police and the competent judicial authorities to thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the incident, establish the responsibility of all individuals involved, including potential organisers and accomplices, and take appropriate legal action. We particularly emphasise the importance of applying Article 325 of the Criminal Code, which defines the criminal offence of publicly inciting violence and hatred, should the legal elements of this offence be established. We expect the institutions to act promptly and consistently, clearly demonstrating that antisemitism, discrimination and intolerance towards any nation or individual have no place in our society.
At the same time, we believe that the response of the Government and the competent institutions to date has been insufficient. When messages of hatred are openly disseminated in public spaces, general statements of condemnation and expressions of concern are not enough. Concrete action, political accountability and systematic measures are needed to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
The lack of systematic education about the Holocaust, antisemitism, anti-fascism and the values of respect for diversity is particularly concerning. Education on these topics must not be limited to a few pages in history textbooks or the commemoration of specific dates. It should be an enduring part of the education system, public and media discourse, and lifelong learning.
We cannot build a humane, tolerant and democratic society while the crimes of the Ustaše regime are minimised, relativised, justified or denied. Likewise, crimes committed after the Second World War must not be used to justify the crimes of the Ustaše regime, nor should anyone’s suffering be used to diminish the suffering of others. Every innocent victim deserves respect, and every historical period demands an accountable approach grounded in facts.
Young people have the right to an education based on historical facts, free from political manipulation, the relativisation of crimes and divisions passed down from one generation to the next. Holocaust education should help them understand how prejudice develops, how hatred gradually becomes normalised, and the consequences that dehumanisation, indifference and silence in the face of injustice can have. It is equally important to teach them about the courage of those who resisted persecution, protected others and defended human dignity.
Young people need to understand that hatred towards others is never an expression of patriotism. True patriotism entails a sense of responsibility towards the society in which we live and respect for the human rights and dignity of every person, regardless of their national, religious or other affiliation.
We call on the Government of the Republic of Croatia and the competent institutions, alongside taking effective action in this specific case, to ensure long-term educational and preventive measures. Combating antisemitism must not be reduced to occasional responses following incidents; it must become an enduring social and institutional responsibility.
A society that honours its victims, confronts its own past and teaches young people the values of peace, solidarity and respect for diversity is a society capable of preventing hatred from recurring.
Therefore, we must take a clear, responsible and systematic stand against antisemitism and all forms of hate speech — through justice, education and a culture of remembrance.
