Nazi symbols appear in Croatia's Bjelovar again

Swastikas, prohibited by law, were painted on the façades of several buildings on Matice Hrvatske Street. The police have yet to comment on the case.

“Bjelovar is a multicultural, tolerant city with no place for such behaviour. I believe the police will soon identify the perpetrators,” said Mayor Darijo Hrebak.

The local branch of the Social Democratic Party issued a similar response. “The SDP Bjelovar condemns all forms of hate speech and calls for the immediate removal of the swastikas. Bjelovar is a multicultural, child-friendly city, and such malicious, provocative and harmful acts deserve full condemnation.”

The previous incident occurred on 21 December 2023, when Ustasha and Nazi graffiti appeared on the Serbian Orthodox church in the city centre. The police launched a criminal investigation, but the perpetrators were never identified. The perpetrators were charged with damaging the reputation of Croatia, inciting violence and hatred, and destruction of property.