Thousands of people demonstrated in Belgrade yesterday Sunday against the holding of EuroPride, a pan-European gathering in the capital of Serbia. LGBT community.
Tensions have escalated in recent weeks in Serbia, where EuroPride organizers are determined to hold a climactic march next Saturday even though the authorities want to ban it.
Thousands of demonstrators, including many clerics, marched through downtown Belgrade, responding to calls from conservative and far-right groups, including the Serbian Orthodox Church.
Raising icons, religious flags and crosses, some announced they would hold demonstrations if EuroPride organizers go ahead with their plan to hold a pride march.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, who announced at the end of August that the parade “will be postponed or cancelled,” said on Saturday that police would announce 96 hours before the event (i.e. Tuesday) whether it would take place or not.
Vučić cited “security” reasons related to the escalation of tensions in Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008 but was not recognized by Belgrade, and problems related to energy.
EuroPride organizers criticized Vučić’s statements, stressing that the government has no right to cancel the march. The first two LGBT pride marches in Belgrade in 2001 and 2010 were marred by violent incidents. It has been held regularly since 2014, with strong police presence.
Source: APE-MPE, Reuters, AFP / Photo: Associated Press
Source: Kathimerini
Anna White is a journalist at 247 News Reel, where she writes on world news and current events. She is known for her insightful analysis and compelling storytelling. Anna’s articles have been widely read and shared, earning her a reputation as a talented and respected journalist. She delivers in-depth and accurate understanding of the world’s most pressing issues.