Heated debate over Tuđman monument

In Zagreb a four-metre-tall statue of Croatia's first president Franjo Tuđman has been unveiled. The monument has triggered a fierce debate in the country - Tuđmanhas been accused of committing war crimes during the Bosnian War and other misdeeds. The press seizes the opportunity to discuss Tuđman's political legacy and Croatia's culture of remembrance.

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Večernji list (HR) /

The wrong advocates for human rights

Those who now question Tuđman's legacy are the same people who never say a word against Tito, Večernji list writes annoyed:

“One man's meat is another man's poison, as the saying goes. Some people like these monuments, others prefer different ones, just as some people prefer communist dictators to democratically-elected presidents. What's interesting here, however, is that the former are mostly preferred by those who bellow about pluralism and human rights. There was none of that while Tito ruled over Croatia as part of Yugoslavia. Nevertheless these human rights activists defend the square in Zagreb that bore his name and say that one shouldn't paint his entire legacy black. ... There's no point arguing about matters of taste. But perhaps you can argue about whether these people are defending human rights or trying to shove an ideology down our throats.”

24 Sata (HR) /

Protest must be allowed

As the statue was being unveiled a man who shouted in protest was arrested by police officers. 24 Sata is outraged:

“He didn't throw anything at the statue or destroy it. He merely voiced his discontent. That should be something normal in a democratic state. It should be normal to protest against monuments, presidents, prime ministers, the government, and even against the 'father of the nation'. ... Franjo Tuđman left bitterness, injustice and a controversial political legacy when he died. Those who erected this monument should have known there would be protests. What we didn't know, however, is that people can be beaten and punished for this protest.”