Serbia: Belgrade criticized for banning all gatherings on day of gay parade
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 4 October 2012 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Serbia: Belgrade criticized for banning all gatherings on day of gay parade, 4 October 2012, available at: http://www.refworld.org/docid/5073cc7921.html [accessed 20 June 2013] |
| 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. |
October 04, 2012
The last gay pride parade in Belgrade in 2010 was marred by violence
Belgrade is facing international criticism after banning all public gatherings on October 6, a day on which members of Serbia's gay community had scheduled to host a pride parade.
Navi Pillay, the United Nations' High Commissioner for Human Rights, says Belgrade should help organizers reschedule the event instead of banning it.
Britain's Minister for Europe David Lidington said Serbian authorities are failing to protect and promote the rights of all of its citizens.
On October 3, Serbia's Interior Ministry banned public gatherings due to "security assessments."
The parade also was banned in 2011 for security reasons after the 2010 event in Belgrade was marred by attacks and violence.
Parade organizer Goran Miletic says activists are now planning an indoor gathering during the weekend of October 6-7 at Belgrade's Media Center and will try to hold the parade again next year.
Based on reporting by AP and RFE/RL Balkan service
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
