Nazi-Themed Performance Sparks Outrage in Mostar

Videos circulating on social media show three young men dressed in uniforms, one of whom was disguised as Hitler, giving a Nazi salute to a crowd of young people at the club. The men wore armbands featuring the swastika and, after performing the salute, continued dancing as part of the “Carnival” party, local media reported.

Jewish community condemns the incident

Jakob Finci, President of the Jewish community of Bosnia and Herzegovina, strongly condemned the incident and called for the organizers and participants to face strict legal consequences.

"It is clear that in the 21st century, brotherhood and unity are not being built in this region, but such things must not be allowed. I firmly believe that the organizers, initiators, and participants of this performance should be severely punished," Finci told local media.

He pointed out that carnivals are celebrated from South America to Europe, but that such displays—especially the glorification of Nazi salutes, uniforms, and symbols—are unheard of anywhere in the world.

"To promote something in the 21st century that is exclusively associated with Nazism, Hitler, and one of the darkest periods in world history is simply unacceptable," Finci stressed.

He also recalled that during World War II, around 80% of Bosnia’s Jewish population perished under the Nazi regime.

Calls for legal action

Igor Kozemjakin, a member of Bosnia’s Jewish community, expressed hope that the incident would have legal consequences.

"The Jewish community’s Presidency is currently in session, discussing further steps. I believe that the president of the Jewish Municipality in Mostar will file a criminal complaint with the Prosecutor’s Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina against those involved," Kozemjakin stated.

He emphasized that merely condemning such acts is not enough and pointed out a legal gap in the country.

"Unfortunately, we don’t have a law that explicitly bans the glorification of Nazi ideology, but there is another article in the Criminal Code that prohibits inciting ethnic hatred," he explained.

Kozemjakin expressed deep shock that, in the heart of Europe in the 21st century, such an ideology is being celebrated, despite the immense suffering it caused.

"I am quite appalled that this is happening in our country, and even more so by the fact that, in my estimate, over 1,000 people at the event cheered on this performance," he said.

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with calls for legal and institutional action to prevent such glorifications of Nazi ideology in Bosnia and Herzegovina.