Croatian Defense Minister Ivan Anušić expressed his support for the Ustasha salute “For the Homeland Ready” during Marko Perković Thompson’s concert in Zagreb on Sunday, noting that he personally used it as an attendee of the event.

“Certainly, I did, and so did hundreds of thousands of people who expressed their readiness. As a defender of Croatia, I understand the significance of that song and what it represented to me. It became the anthem of the Homeland War, and a court has ruled that specific part of the song is protected from punishment,” Anušić stated in an interview with Danas.hr.

In response to a journalist’s remark about the Constitutional Court deeming the salute unconstitutional, Anušić mentioned that the song “Bojna Čavoglave,” in which the salute is used, emerged during one of Croatia’s most challenging times, marked by strife and pain.

“The song originated from an era when we achieved the impossible—something no one anticipated,” he added.

Anušić confirmed he attended the concert from start to finish.

“I experienced the concert atmosphere—half a million attendees. It was likely one of the largest concerts ever hosted, given Croatia’s population of 3.8 million. Five hundred thousand people flocked to see the musician and enjoy his performance,” he elaborated.

“The youth joined in singing about the homeland, faith, and the heroes of the Homeland War. If anyone finds that shameful, they should reflect on their own values as a true Croatian. This gathering, with everyone singing in harmony, signifies something profound,” the Minister of Defense highlighted.

When questioned about some attendees singing the Ustasha military song “Jura i Boban” outside the venue, Anušić responded that such actions had established criminal sanctions clearly defined by the police.

“This has always been enforced and will continue to be. This concert was not just any concert; it signifies a broader change in politics and society—impacting the whole of Croatia, its consciousness, and its people,” Anušić asserted.

The European Commission issued a statement condemning the “For the homeland, ready” chants and other Ustasha-related symbols displayed during the concert.

“We firmly denounce any demonstration of fascism that recalls the darkest chapters of European history,” the European Commission stated.

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