Serbia: Police on Belgrade streets after gay pride parade ban
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 28 September 2013 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Serbia: Police on Belgrade streets after gay pride parade ban, 28 September 2013, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/526103f514.html [accessed 2 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
September 28, 2013
There is a heavy police presence on the streets of Belgrade following the decision to ban a Gay Pride parade in the city. (file photo)
Hundreds of police have been deployed in Belgrade after authorities banned a Gay Pride parade for the third year in a row.
On September 28, police in full riot gear surrounded a park in downtown Belgrade where the parade was due to take place, as well as prominent buildings and key crossroads.
Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dacic announced on September 28 that the planned event would have to be cancelled after far-right groups threatened protests.
EU Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fuele said in a statement that the decision to ban the parade was regrettable.
Fuele said, "It is a missed opportunity to show respect for fundamental rights."
Serbia, has been a candidate for EU membership since mid-2012.
Belgrade is expected to open accession talks with Brussels in January.
The United States embassy issued a statement saying it was "very disappointed" by the parade ban
The last Gay Pride parade in Serbia in 2010 ended in violence.
Based on reporting by AFP and AP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
