A media watchdog has condemned escalating death threats and intimidation against Croatian journalists following their coverage of pro-Nazi chants before a football match. The threats have raised fresh concerns about press freedom and the safety of reporters in Croatia.
Football Controversy Sparks Online Threats
The controversy began before last week’s match between Croatian club Hajduk Split and Dutch side Ajax. According to local media reports and footage, Hajduk Split supporters marched through the coastal town, chanting antisemitic and pro-Nazi slogans.
The incident drew strong condemnation from Croatia’s political leaders, opposition parties, rights organisations and the Jewish community. Israel’s embassy in Zagreb said it was “deeply shocked.”
Meanwhile, police charged 23 people suspected of inciting violence and hatred in connection with the incident.
However, the reporting also triggered a backlash against journalists covering the controversy. Groups of Hajduk Split supporters, known as Torcida, and right-wing politicians accused journalists of fuelling “media hysteria” and running a campaign against the fans.
Journalists Targeted With Abusive Messages
Following the reports, journalists faced a wave of abusive online comments. Some users called them “worms” and “traitors”, while others described them as the “greatest evil in Croatian society.”
More seriously, some messages called for journalists to be killed, escalating concerns about their safety. A banner shared on social media also depicted journalists from five major local media outlets hanging from a tree.
The threats prompted press freedom organisations to demand swift action from Croatian authorities.
On Tuesday, the Safe Journalists Network strongly condemned what it described as an escalating campaign against journalists.
In its statement, the watchdog denounced the “escalating campaign of threats, intimidation and incitement to violence against journalists in Croatia”.
It also urged authorities to act quickly to protect journalists facing death threats and intimidation.
Journalists’ Association Demands Urgent Action
The Croatian Journalists’ Association also called for immediate intervention on Monday. It urged police and prosecutors to protect journalists facing threats and calls for lynching.
The association’s demand highlighted growing concerns that online abuse could contribute to real-world intimidation and violence against media workers.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Davor Bozinovic confirmed that authorities had launched an investigation into the threatening messages. However, officials had not announced further details about the investigation in the available information.
Croatia’s Press Freedom Record Under Scrutiny
The incident has renewed attention to the wider challenges facing journalists in Croatia. The country ranks 53rd out of 180 countries in the Press Freedom Index published by media rights organisation Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
Croatia improved from 60th place in 2025. Nevertheless, journalists continue to face reported physical assaults and intimidation each year, particularly during demonstrations.
The latest threats have intensified calls for authorities to ensure journalists can report on contentious public issues without fear of violence.
As the investigation continues, media watchdogs and journalists’ organisations are pressing officials to respond firmly to threats and protect press freedom in Croatia.
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