Vilim Karlović, a notable former camp survivor in Croatia and retired military officer, has recently taken to social media to denounce the song 'Jasenovac and Gradiška stara'. In a video posted on Facebook, he urged listeners to abstain from singing this song, claiming that it has been derogatorily imposed on the Croatian people. He expressed concern that celebrating such songs, which commemorate dark aspects of history such as prisons and concentration camps, cannot be deemed a form of patriotism and should be reconsidered by those who have sung it in the past.

The controversy surrounding the song has also been tied to Marko Perković Thompson, a controversial figure in Croatian music often associated with nationalistic themes. Although mainstream media, particularly those from left-leaning backgrounds, consistently attribute the song to him, Thompson has categorically denied being its author or performer. This dispute highlights the ongoing tensions in Croatian society regarding national identity and the legacy of past conflicts, especially as it pertains to music that evokes painful memories of the Yugoslav wars and the Holocaust.

Karlović's call comes at a time of heightened scrutiny over how national symbols and historical narratives are shaped and perceived in Croatia. The unresolved issues related to national pride, collective memory, and the legacies of war continue to impact public discourse, with figures like Karlović advocating for a more reflective and critical approach to what is celebrated in the name of patriotism. The discussion may stir renewed debate about artistic expression in the context of national identity, potentially influencing how such songs are viewed in the future.