Croatian Politician Sings Song About Historical Assassination, Recalling Past Controversy

Josip Dabro, a Croatian Parliament member from the Homeland Movement party and former minister, has again shared a video of himself singing on social media. This time, on his Facebook profile, he posted a clip performing lyrics from a song about the assassination of Stjepan Radić and the Radić brothers. Dabro stated that he was singing these verses, which commemorate the assassination attempt in Belgrade on June 20, 1928, at the request of thousands of his followers.

"At the request of numerous thousands of followers, I am again singing part of the lyrics in memory of the Radić brothers and the tragic assassination in Belgrade. Let it not be forgotten," Dabro wrote. The song recounts the assassination in the National Assembly in Belgrade, where Puniša Račić, a Serbian politician, shot Croatian representatives from the Croatian Peasant Party. Pavle Radić and Đuro Basariček were killed instantly, while Stjepan Radić was severely wounded and died two months later from his injuries.

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At the request of numerous thousands of followers, I am again singing part of the lyrics in memory of the Radić brothers and the tragic assassination in Belgrade. Let it not be forgotten.

This is not the first time Dabro's musical repertoire has stirred controversy. Earlier this year, he was fined 700 euros for singing lyrics that referenced Ante Pavelić, the leader of the World War II-era Independent State of Croatia (NDH). The specific lyrics mentioned a "tomb of gold in Madrid" where the "leader of all Croats" rests, referring to Pavelić. Following the fine, Dabro took to Facebook to state that he respects the laws of the Republic of Croatia but also asserted that laws must apply equally to all citizens, regardless of their position or influence.

Dabro's actions have reignited discussions about historical memory and the interpretation of controversial figures and events in Croatia. While he frames his singing as a way to remember historical events and respond to public demand, his choice of lyrics, particularly those referencing figures like Pavelić, continues to draw criticism and legal consequences.

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I respect the laws of the Republic of Croatia, but also asserted that laws must apply equally to all citizens, regardless of their position or influence.