Croatian police have detained 23 people suspected of publicly inciting hatred and violence after a group of Hajduk Split supporters shouted Nazi and antisemitic slogans during a procession ahead of a football match against Ajax in Split.
The incident occurred on October 15, when members of the Hajduk Split supporters’ group Torcida marched toward Poljud Stadium ahead of the match.
According to the Split-Dalmatia Police Department, participants in the procession shouted antisemitic slogans, expressed hatred toward Jewish people and invoked Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler.
Police confirmed that another suspect had been detained as part of the continuing investigation, bringing the total number of people apprehended to 23.
Six Suspects Remain in Prison as Police Continue Investigation
Croatian authorities said the 23 individuals are suspected of committing the criminal offense of publicly inciting violence and hatred.
According to the latest police statement, six suspects are currently in prison.
One additional suspect was handed over to a detention supervisor the previous evening, while another remained under criminal investigation and was expected to be transferred into custody later in the day.
Police have also released photographs of additional Torcida supporters who are still being sought in connection with the incident.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to identify other individuals who participated in the procession.
Antisemitic Chants Spark Criminal Investigation
The incident has drawn attention to extremist expressions among football supporters in Croatia.
The chants reportedly included references to Adolf Hitler and messages targeting Jewish people.
Croatian police are investigating the behavior as suspected public incitement to violence and hatred rather than treating it solely as a disciplinary matter related to football.
The authorities have not announced how many additional suspects they are seeking.
The case remains under investigation, and the individuals detained have not been convicted of the alleged offenses.
