At the unveiling of the Armada mural in Rijeka they played a song that celebrates Pavelić and the slaughter of Serbs

A song glorifying Ustaše war crimes was played at the unveiling of a new fan group mural in Rijeka last Saturday. The incident occurred during a ceremony held in Kvaternikova Street within the Vežica neighborhood. Video footage captured the gathering, which featured torches, smoke bombs, and light effects. Attendees stood before a large artwork created by local artist Vito Trkulja. The mural depicts a double-headed eagle, the Croatian coat of arms, and symbols associated with the football club HNK Rijeka. The specific track broadcast through loudspeakers was identified as "Jasenovac i Gradiška Stara." The lyrics explicitly praise the Independent State of Croatia regime and its leader, Ante Pavelić. The song references the Jasenovac and Stara Gradiška concentration camps. It mentions Ustaše commanders Maks Luburić and Jure Francetić. Verses describe the killing of Serbs and their bodies being carried by the Neretva River toward the Adriatic Sea. One line calls for the return of the Black Legion. Another verse directly greets Pavelić. The content openly celebrates violence committed against Serbian civilians during World War II. Local media initially described the event as a display of civic identity and loyalty to the city and its football club. However, video evidence contradicted this characterization by documenting the playback of the controversial anthem. A regional newspaper subsequently sent an inquiry to the Primorsko-Goranska Police Administration regarding potential police action. The administration has not yet issued a public statement on whether criminal proceedings will be initiated. The song gained wider public attention due to its association with singer Marko Perković Thompson. In late 2003, an audio recording of his performance was published online. Initially, Thompson denied singing the piece, suggesting the recording might have been digitally manipulated. By early January 2004, he confirmed on his official website that he had performed the song. He stated he was not the author but had sung it in Croatian halls and squares. In February 2004, Thompson attended an informational interview with Zagreb police as part of an investigation into possible criminal elements. Years later, he reversed his position again. In a 2020 interview with the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, he claimed the recording was a fabrication and never part of his official repertoire. He described the text as abhorrent and contrary to his beliefs. Despite these later denials, the 2003 recording and his 2004 admission confirm past performances. The mural itself stands in Vežica, a district named after a historical figure. The gathering drew a large crowd of citizens and fans. The combination of traditional fan culture elements, such as flares and music, with the specific choice of lyrics raised immediate concerns among observers. The visual imagery on the wall contrasts sharply with the auditory message delivered during the ceremony. Authorities are reviewing the available video materials. No arrests have been announced. The artist behind the mural did not comment on the musical selection. The football club remained silent on the matter. The case highlights tensions surrounding historical memory and public expression in the region. Police continue to monitor the situation. Further legal steps depend on the outcome of internal reviews. The community awaits official conclusions regarding the legality of the broadcasted content.