At a concert by the famous Belgrade rock band “Riblja Corba” held last month in Niksic as part of the opening of the summer festival season, homophobic insults could be heard. Namely, several concert attendees confirmed that homophobic remarks were made right before the performance of the song “Volim, volim, volim, volim žene” (“I Love, Love, Love, Love Women”) by its front man Bora Djordjevic.

The concert was organized by the Niksic Tourist Organization (TO Niksic), under the patronage of the Municipality of Niksic.

The Korina Association therefore sent a letter of protest to the director of TO Niksic, Mr. Mitar Barac, in which we demanded a public statement about this incident and to take any possible responsibility for choosing a performer who is known for making statements inciting intolerance against this social group (and not only this social group), both during his performances and outside of them.

However, news of this incident has not yet surfaced in the public, even though some media covered this performance. All of this sends a message that verbal attacks directed at certain social groups are not only unpunished but also tacitly approved.

It is unacceptable for performers and artists who spread hatred and intolerance towards any part of the Niksic population to be paid from the budget of all citizens

What is particularly concerning is the fact that a large number of children and young people attended the concert and may get the impression that such hatred and intolerance are taken for granted.

The Korina Association believes that it is unacceptable for performers and artists who spread hatred and intolerance towards any part of the Niksic population to be paid from the budget of all citizens, and for them to not even be reprimanded for it, or at least subsequently disavowed from such statements.

It is ironic that front man Djordjevic expressed hope after the concert that Niksic would achieve the status of European Capital of Culture.

For decades, Niksic has built an image of a city with a unique subculture in Montenegro and beyond, and any actions from the authorities that undermine this image, including the discourse that makes some of its residents feel threatened, must be criticized and rejected.

Team Korina | 10-7-2024