Fascism on Stage, EU Silent: Brnabić on the Tompson Concert Scandal
Imagine this: hundreds of thousands of people in Zagreb, a country with less than 4 million inhabitants, at a concert by Marko Perković Tompson, where from the stage echoes something that sounds like a Nazi salute! Yes, you read that right. “Dom spremni” – a salute equivalent to the Nazi “Sieg Heil” – was chanted by the crowd, just a kilometer away from one of the most monstrous Nazi camps, Jasenovac, where tens of thousands of Serbs, Jews, and Roma, including children, were brutally murdered.
The President of the Serbian Parliament, Ana Brnabić, could not stay silent on this disgrace. She sharply condemned the event and expressed deep concern over the complete silence and lack of reaction from the European Union to this fascist scandal. “More than 24 hours have passed, and there is no sign of an EU reaction to this deeply disturbing manifestation of fascism in neighboring Croatia,” Brnabić wrote on social media platform X.
She emphasized that Serbia will not stand by and watch what is happening and that a decisive and clear reaction is needed against such hate-filled rhetoric that threatens peace in the region and Europe as a whole.
What exactly happened?
At the concert held in Zagreb, hundreds of thousands of people raised their hands in a salute resembling the Nazi one, chanting “Dom spremni.” This salute was the slogan of the Ustaše movement, known for brutal crimes during World War II. Jasenovac, located just a few kilometers from the concert site, was the only concentration camp for children in Europe, where tens of thousands of innocents were killed.
Why does this matter?
Such manifestations are not just historical anachronisms. They are a dangerous threat to modern society and peace in the region. Fascist rhetoric and symbols remind us of the darkest periods of human history and must not be normalized or ignored, especially by institutions that are supposed to protect human rights and democracy – like the European Union.
Where is the EU?
Brnabić clearly stated that the lack of EU reaction to this event is “deeply disturbing” and that such silence actually supports the dangerous ideas spreading. While Europe struggles with its own problems, such things happen at its doorstep, and institutions remain silent.
What about Israel?
During her multi-day visit to Israel, Ana Brnabić received support from Boaz Toporovski, who emphasized that Serbia not only condemns fascism in words but also in deeds. He expressed gratitude and respect for Brnabić’s stance and actions.
What next?
This event is a wake-up call for all of us. Will we allow hatred and fascism to spread again across Europe? Or will we stand up and demand institutions to react? Brnabić made it clear that Serbia will not be a passive observer.
Conclusion
Fascism is not the past. It is here, in the heart of Europe, at concerts, on the streets, in the silence of institutions. If we think it is enough to just say “never again,” we are gravely mistaken. Action is needed, loud and clear. And if you have your own take on this scandal, or maybe a good joke about the “Dom spremni” salute, feel free to share it – sometimes laughter is the best medicine for the madness around us.
slug: brnabic-eu-reaction-tompson-fascism
