On the first Saturday of the month, people gather in squares across Croatia to pray. This time, they met on Ban Jelačić Square, as well as in Šibenik and Trogir, among other locations. However, they were confronted by counter-protesters who stood in front of them, beating drums and waving 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 ground and held up with tape as if waiting for inspection. The atmosphere was tense as the two 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, with both sides standing firm in their confrontation. The peaceful act of prayer was juxtaposed against the aggression of the counter-protesters, creating a stark contrast in the public space.
