Thompson has established himself as a symbol of ultranationalism where he presents (in his songs as well) the exclusion of others and ethnicity-based hatred, as rigid patriotism.
GOLJP and Documenta remind the authorities and mayor of the city of Zagreb, Milan Bandic, that Thompson has publicly glorified ideology of Ustashe (extreme Croatian nationalists) and by vulgar curses insulted and insults everyone who has different political opinion than his which is however, well known characteristic of certain number of public who belongs to Ustashe ideology and uses its symbols on Thompson concerts. Thompson thus, consciously and deliberately makes his concerts a form of political extremism and form of advocacy for political violence.
The fact that Union of defenders’ associations has selected Thompson for marking the Day of defenders in Croatia, and that they see his performances as „basic values for which they have fought for“ is making this problem even more serious.
As associations that promote human rights, GOLJP and Documenta are fully aware that freedom of opinion should be respected, especially when one disagrees with the certain opinion. However, tolerating Thompson’s concert opens an old unanswered question and that is – to what measure we should tolerate those who advocate for intolerance ?
Having in mind above mentioned, GOLJP and Documenta reckon that in this case, the main square ban Jelacic in Zagreb, should not be the place for organizing such „concert“.
One more reason against this is that the date when the concert is planned to be organized, May 30th, is the time of pre-election silence (specifically – it’s just one day before the elections).
Documents:
- Statement by GOLJP and Documenta
In Croatian