Josip Dabro, a member of Croatia’s ruling party Domovinski Pokret (Home Front), has sparked controversy with a public statement urging violent action against illegal migrants. In a Facebook post, he called for the shooting of individuals attempting to cross the Croatian border illegally, citing the recent conviction of a Pakistani national, Mohammad Sh., who was sentenced to six and a half years in prison for sexually assaulting a Nepali woman he had detained for over 20 hours. Dabro framed the case as part of a broader pattern of criminal behavior among undocumented migrants, arguing that such individuals should not be granted legal protections or due process. The post, titled “Principle of State Prevention Toward Illegal Migrants: There Is No Dialogue With Evil, One Must Shoot At It,” accused authorities of failing to effectively deport repeat offenders despite repeated legal proceedings. According to Dabro, Mohammad Sh., who has been in the status of an asylum seeker for years, has committed multiple serious crimes, yet remains within the country because he continues to request asylum. He criticized the inability of state institutions to enforce deportation orders, calling it a demonstration of systemic failure and a call for others to follow suit. The message, he argued, is a direct appeal to all around the world to “come and freely fulfill their most perverse desires” without consequence, implying that illegal migrants receive free housing, food, and even access to weapons. Dabro further suggested that the situation reflects growing insecurity in Europe, pointing to reports of assaults on police officers, beatings, murders, and mass fights in cities like Zagreb and other European capitals. He claimed these incidents highlight how legal systems have become complicit in allowing dangerous individuals to remain in society unchecked. His response included several proposed solutions, including the use of lethal force against illegal migrants during attempted border crossings. He emphasized that national security must take precedence, stating that international norms should not prevent states from protecting themselves through all necessary means, including armed intervention. In addition to advocating for lethal force, Dabro urged those who oppose his stance to personally take responsibility for managing illegal migrants, suggesting they should “take them home, feed them, care for them, share their safety, prosperity, and home.” He dismissed criticism as mere rhetoric, claiming that media coverage often focuses on the perceived weakness of the state rather than its successes in dealing with crime. Instead, he proposed more aggressive headlines highlighting instances where law enforcement successfully intercepted criminals, such as “Security Forces Killed an Illegal Migrant Attempting to Cross the Croatian Border Illegally” or “Police Beat Down the Rapist, Court Immediately Deported Him from Croatia.” Political analysts have responded sharply to Dabro’s remarks, labeling them as an example of patriotic extremism and moral irresponsibility. Žarko Puhovski, a political analyst, compared Dabro’s approach to that of former US President Donald Trump, noting that such rhetoric often precedes conflict and does not always end well. Puhovski argued that Dabro misinterprets a global trend, using populist methods rooted in perception rather than factual evidence. He pointed out that data from countries with higher immigrant populations show no significant increase in criminal activity compared to native-born citizens, suggesting that Dabro’s claims lack empirical support. Petar Tanta, a communications expert, described Dabro’s messaging as a form of “rage bait”, content designed to provoke outrage and spread misinformation. He noted that Dabro’s posts align with a growing online phenomenon where emotionally charged narratives are used to manipulate public sentiment. Tanta warned that such tactics risk alienating respected workers and fueling hostility toward immigrants, particularly in contexts where economic conditions are stable. He highlighted that many foreign workers contribute positively to sectors like tourism and services, yet Dabro’s statements could exacerbate tensions by reinforcing negative stereotypes. Dabro’s comments have ignited heated debate, with critics accusing him of inciting violence and undermining democratic values. While some supporters argue that his stance reflects a legitimate concern for national security, opponents warn that such rhetoric risks normalizing extreme measures and eroding social cohesion. As the discussion continues, the implications of Dabro’s position remain unclear, though the potential consequences for both policy and public discourse are evident.
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