Draško Stanivuković, the mayor of Banja Luka, has voiced a strong objection to the performance of Croatian singer Marko Perković Thompson in Široki Brijeg, where symbols of the World War II-era Independent State of Croatia (NDH) were displayed. Stanivuković, known for his contentious remarks about Croatian territorial claims earlier this year, took to his Facebook profile to suggest that Thompson should face legal action and be barred from entering Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). He questioned whether the authorities would impose any penalties on Thompson or if continued double standards would prevail, particularly in how penalties are applied to individuals of different ethnic backgrounds in the region.

The mayor's remarks come amidst ongoing tensions in the Balkans regarding historical narratives and national identity. Stanivuković described the display of fascist symbols and the chant “For Home Ready” at Thompson's concert as not just a cultural issue but a serious matter of historical revisionism and fascism that must be addressed by European institutions. His sentiments reflect a growing frustration with what he perceives to be a failure of European bodies to consistently enforce standards against the glorification of extremist ideologies across different communities.

The implications of this incident may extend beyond mere entertainment, as it highlights the fragile nature of inter-ethnic relations in the Balkans where historical grievances continue to influence contemporary politics. The ongoing discourse around such public expressions of ethnic identity and the associated legal ramifications serve as critical indicators of the region's willingness to confront its past and the effectiveness of international mechanisms to address such sensitive issues.