Covic meets controversial nationalist singer after EU condemns fascist symbols at concert

Covic, leader of the HDZ BiH party and deputy speaker of Bosnia’s House of Peoples, shared a photo of the meeting on social media platform X.

“A pleasant meeting with my dear friend Marko Perkovic at the HDZ Bosnia and Herzegovina headquarters,” Covic wrote alongside the image.

The meeting came days after Thompson performed in the town of Siroki Brijeg, sparking widespread criticism following reports that parts of the audience displayed Nazi and Ustaša symbols and performed controversial salutes.

EU condemns fascist symbolism, calls for investigation

The European Union Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina issued a strong statement condemning the imagery and chants seen at the concert.

“Photos and videos from the recent concert in Siroki Brijeg show participants chanting slogans and displaying symbols associated with fascist ideologies. The glorification and relativization of fascist ideologies have no place in a democratic society and recall the darkest periods of European history,” the EU Delegation said.

The EU also called on domestic authorities to take action.

“The European Union calls on everyone to show respect for the victims of crimes committed during the Second World War and urges the competent authorities to investigate the incident in accordance with domestic legislation,” the statement added.

Diplomatic and legal fallout

The controversy also prompted a reaction from Israel’s ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Galit Peleg, who condemned the use of Nazi symbols and salutes reported among sections of the audience.

Meanwhile, Thompson has reportedly been referred to Bosnia’s Prosecutor’s Office following allegations that Ustasa slogans and raised-arm salutes were used during the concert.

The singer, long a divisive figure in the region, has frequently faced criticism for performances and songs linked to Croatia’s wartime nationalist past.