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Thursday, 14 supporters of the Dinamo Zagreb football club must answer in the provincial court of Salzburg because of the re-engagement of the National Socialist. At a celebration in 2015, the defendants were greeted by the "Croatian wish" – the right hand lifted and tense – the Croatian fascist regime of Ustashi. A conviction could have serious consequences.
"Bad Blue Boys" have an affinity with the hooligan scene
All but one of the dock men are Croatian or have Croatian roots. "Because of their background and their enthusiasm for the club, there is an affinity for the rogue scene," said prosecutor Marcus Neher. "They are part of the ultra fan group of Bad Blue Boys and call themselves exiled boys." The defendants live in Salzburg, Vienna, Germany and Switzerland and are between 23 and 37 years old.
Ustasha greetings are also forbidden by Croatian law
They met at a private party on June 20, 2015 in Hallein (Tennengau). In the garden of one of the accused's parents, there were suckling pigs and a lot of alcohol, they sang songs of soldiers, the festive tent built for the festival was decorated with symbols of the Ustasha movement and a cross swastika was painted on a formwork. At night, the group went to the state capital, where it closed at 4:30 pm, in front of a hotel, the right arm closed to greet. "Za dom spremni", in English "ready for home", is the historical greeting of the Ustasha, which is forbidden by the road, in accordance with Croatian law.
Legally, no difference in Hitler greetings
"It's legally synonymous, whether the salute be Hitler or Ustascha," said prosecutor Neher, who based his charges on photos and videos of the incidents. "No matter what mentality is going on." If third parties may have the impression that National Socialism is being honored, the offense of re-engagement is fully accomplished.
Go on a new legal ground with this process
With the direct comparison between the Ustasha regime and Nazi Germany, the prosecutor enters a new territory.
"The indictment is a test balloon," said defender Kurt Jelinik, who represents eleven defendants. We can not speak of a glorification of the NSDAP. "For all the defendants, that's what they could have given, they regret the incident, but they will not plead guilty."
Accused right here flawless
His clients are not extreme thugs. "There is no conviction for excessive violence, they are all very well, they are well educated and have all the jobs and a part of the family." During the evening, the police even appeared twice and called for less noise. "The officials did not see Ustasha meeting there." Jelinek today referred to a private report from a university professor that the presentation of emblems, greetings and symbols of the Ustashas is not covered by the law on the prohibition.
The Interior Ministry recommends not to put Ustasha's salvation on a footing of equality with Hitler's salute
Martin Arthofer, the defender of the remaining defendants, also spoke on Thursday of the annual ceremony of commemoration of the war in Bleiburg, Carinthia. "The Ministry of the Interior has recommended to the executive that the Croatian salute is not identical to the hello Hitler banned in Austria." However, the authorities were urged to inform the participants that to avoid intervention, it would be better to do without the Croatian salute.
Up to 10 years imprisonment threatened with loss
The 14 defendants face up to 10 years in prison if they are found guilty. The process is scheduled for next Tuesday. The defendants apparently do not seem to want to testify during the proceedings. Inspired by Nazi Germany, the Ustasha movement established a totalitarian dictatorship in Croatia and Bosnia in 1941 and 1945, killing Serbs, Jews, Roma and critical opponents. Victim data vary from 300,000 to 750,000 murdered.
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