EC on Thompson concert: We strongly condemn any expression of fascism that recalls the darkest periods of European history

The European Commission reacted to the chanting of "For the homeland, ready" at Marko Perković Thompson's concert and to other Ustasha symbolism highlighted by some of the concertgoers in Zagreb.

"We strongly condemn any expression of fascism that reminds us of the darkest periods of European history," the European Commission said.

Index.hr asked the EC about the concert and the events surrounding it, as well as the statements of Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, who after the concert defended the original Ustasha salute "For the Homeland Ready" by saying that it was "an integral part of Thompson's repertoire" and that "we must all be proud of the concert."

"At the EU level, there is a Framework Decision on combating racism and xenophobia, which obliges member states to criminalize hate speech. This includes public incitement to violence or hatred against individuals or groups based on race, colour, religion, origin or national or ethnic origin," the Commission says.

"Member States are also obliged to prosecute public approval, denial or gross trivialisation of crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. National authorities are responsible for each individual report of hate speech or hate crime, and are obliged to act in accordance with the national legislation that has transposed this Framework Decision," the Commission said in a statement for Index.