Veterans’ group angered by Serb politician’s remarks, demand action from government

A veterans group accused Milorad Pupovac of working against his country on Wednesday, after remarks the Independent Democratic Serb Party leader made this weekend in the wake of a spate of attacks on Serbs in Croatia.

On Sunday, Pupovac said he feared Croatia could turn into another Independent State of Croatia, the WWII fascist puppet state. The comparison prompted the government, to issue a statement condemning the remarks and asking Pupovac, a member of the ruling coalition, to refrain from fueling further tensions. But some Croatian veterans groups are not satisfied. At a news conference, representatives of the Association of Veterans and Special Police said that they condemned violence, but wre demanding a thorough investigation into the attacks to stem the tide of allegations in the media coming from both sides. Furthermore, they want state institutions to look into whether Pupovac broke the law by making the controversial remarks, arguing his words damaged Croatia's reputation.

“We expect Minister Davor Božinović and state prosecutors to look into Article 151, who publicly mocks or demeans the Republic of Croatia, its flag, coat of arms, or anthem, will be punished with up to one year in prison. As someone with a background in law enforcement, I believe there is evidence that this crime was committed," said Zoran Maras, a representative of the veterans group, referring to an article in the penal code.

Maras also said veterans wanted a more firm response from Prime Minister Plenković.

"We want the prime minister to address the issue of his coalition partner, who is destabilizing the Republic of Croatia, and denigrating us in the EU,” he said.

Pupovac declined to comment on yesterday's statement from the government, describing his remarks as unacceptable and inappropriate. Pupovac said he had heard what was said at the HDZ's meeting, adding that neither Plenkovic nor anyone else from the party had contacted him. He told the HINA news agency his party would not comment until the issue was discussed and analyzed.

Prime Minister Plenković said Wendesday he did plan to meet with Pupovac to discuss the issue.

Most leader Božo Petrov said tougher policing and tougher sentencing could curb violence in general.

“The best deterrent to violence is swift action by police and adequate punishment by the courts. Then violence wouldn't happen. As far as Pupovac's remarks are concerned, the comparison between Croatia and the Independent State of Croatia misses the mark, politically and historically and are just as worthy of condemnation as the acts that preceded them,” Petrov said.

Anka Mrak Taritaš of GLAS believes the current climate of violence and intolerance is no coincidence.

"This is something the HDZ systematically generates and encourages. Because it’s easier for him, Mr. Plenković just sits in his comfortable chair and says these are isolated incidents, and that’s simply not true."

Mrak Taritaš added that President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović should share the blame because she has not addressed the issue despite the fact that it is her job to represent all of Croatia's citizens.