Clash of Ideologies: Croatian Prayer Gatherings Interrupted by Counter-Protest

In Croatia, every first Saturday of the month, people gather to pray in squares across the country. This time, they congregated on Ban Jelačić Square as well as in Šibenik, Trogir and other locations. However, they were met with counter-protesters who stood in front of them, beating drums and unfurling banners.

One of the banners read “This woman was killed by those who told her that marriage is sacred!” The message was written on the floor and stuck with tapes as if waiting for inspection. The scene was tense as both groups faced off in the square, each with their own beliefs and messages to convey.

Despite the opposition, the supplicants continued their prayers, their voices rising above the noise of the drums and the shouts of the counter-protesters. The clash of ideologies and beliefs played out in public space, as both groups stood their ground in confrontation. The peaceful act of prayer was juxtaposed against the aggression of the counter-protesters, creating a stark contrast in public space.