Croatian historian and anti-nationalist receives death threats

He added that "patriotism and nationalism are two things that have nothing to do with each other."

"I'm dealing with nationalism from the past, but just to point out that it is always the same in principle, it is always based on hatred, the wish to fight against others, against different, people," he said.

Klasic received an anonymous letter with a death threat. Signed by those who declared themselves as (Croatian Nazi movement during WW II) 'Ustasas,' they said they were sorry he hadn't been 'liquidated,' but that they hoped he would be.

The historian said he didn't see any direct reason for such a threat. "It's probably linked to something I said about (Ustasha's prison camp during WW II) Jasenovac. I'm getting threatening letters in the last several years, usually because I deal with the Croatian nationalism." The letters are usually sent to the Faculty.

He said that only a handful of people knew where he lived. So those who threatened him called his mother, saying they were from the Science Ministry, to get his phone number. Klasic said he had to calm his mother.

"They yell at me (Ustasa's salute) 'For the Homeland Ready.' I receive letters at the Faculty's address, and sometimes they threaten me in the street. In a restaurant, some come and spit on the table… I'm not on any social network anymore, and sometimes I get anonymous e-mails which I don't count anymore," Klasic said.

He said he was not afraid but did not feel comfortable. "Those are not pleasant situations; there were unpleasant events on the road as well.