Serb politician condemns hate speech during Croatia's Operation Storm commemoration

Milorad Pupovac, a prominent Serbian politician in Croatia and head of the SDSS party, has voiced strong concern over hate speech and calls for violence witnessed during the commemoration of the 31st anniversary of "Operation Storm." This operation in 1995 led to the expulsion of over 200,000 Serbs from Croatia.

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Those who try to smuggle this as an act of patriotism for years are seriously damaging true patriotism. Those who think this is democracy and turn a blind eye are mistaken, because this is not democracy, this is a vicious attack on democracy.

Pupovac highlighted that political figures and media outlets have largely ignored the hateful rhetoric. "Those who try to smuggle this as an act of patriotism for years are seriously damaging true patriotism," he stated. "Those who think this is democracy and turn a blind eye are mistaken, because this is not democracy, this is a vicious attack on democracy."

He further criticized the inaction of those responsible for upholding Croatia's constitutional order. "Many whose duty it is to protect the constitutional order of the Republic of Croatia, unfortunately, are not taking the necessary steps," Pupovac said.

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Many whose duty it is to protect the constitutional order of the Republic of Croatia, unfortunately, are not taking the necessary steps.

The politician shared a video documenting the hate speech, which included nationalistic and religiously charged chants against Serbs and Serbia. The video featured slogans such as "We Croats do not drink wine, only the blood of Chetniks from Knin" and "On the top of Mount Trebević, in Francetić's camp... we will cross the Drina and set Serbia on fire." Other chants included offensive remarks and references to the Independent State of Croatia.

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We Croats do not drink wine, only the blood of Chetniks from Knin

Pupovac questioned why certain courts and the State Attorney's Office (DORH) are not acting ex officio to suppress hate speech and incitement to violence. He pointed out that individuals involved in such incidents, including those from the Torcida fan group and Skejo's campaign, had previously been acquitted of related charges, emboldening them to repeat their actions.

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On the top of Mount Trebević, in Francetić's camp... we will cross the Drina and set Serbia on fire...