Within the framework of EuroPride, LGBTIQ+ march is canceled in Belgrade

First modification: 09/14/2022 – 01:41

The Serbian authorities canceled the LGBTIQ+ Pride march to be held this Saturday, September 17, in Belgrade, after arguing that there could be clashes with far-right groups.

These groups of activists, mostly conservative in favor of the Serbian Orthodox Church, have been marching through the streets of Belgrade for weeks to protest the different celebrations of EuroPride 2022. This Saturday they had scheduled a new demonstration, but the Police also decided to ban it.

In a statement, the Police stated that “after the security evaluation, it was determined that there is a high risk that the safety of the participants in both (marches) on the announced routes, as well as the safety of other citizens, will be endangered. “.

The populist Serbian president, Aleksandar Vučić, had previously announced that the march would be vetoed.

The Interior Minister said that “in the current geopolitical situation and tensions in the region, senseless clashes in the streets of Belgrade would make our country’s position difficult, (and) endanger the safety of the participants in the marches, as well as that of other citizens”.

In addition, he added that “it has been assessed that there is a danger of attacks and confrontations, there is a danger of violence, destruction of property and other forms of threat to public order of great magnitude.”

The activists of the European Pride Organizers Associations, EPOA, announced that they would appeal the cancellation of the event that takes place annually in different cities in Europe, and that includes a week of activities. If the demand is received and accepted, they could resume the festivities.

In a statement they said that “Belgrade Pride will use all available means to overturn this decision.” EPOA President Kristine Garina said that the bans on previous marches were declared unconstitutional and that she has “no doubt that the court will take the same position this time.”

Garina commented that “this ban shows a complete failure of political leadership and Serbia’s failure to protect the most basic freedoms of its citizens. No country worth its salt would give in to thugs.”

After learning of the cancellation, activists booed Prime Minister Ana Brnabic, who belongs to the LGBTIQ+ community, and is criticized for her few actions to help the group at a human rights conference.

For the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe, Dunja Mijatovic, the Serbian authorities should withdraw the ban on the march and protect the participants.

In a statement he expressed that “it is very regrettable that the Serbian authorities have decided to ban the EuroPride march scheduled for September 17”, and added: “the weeks of uncertainty surrounding the holding of this march have sent the wrong message to public opinion and have given rise to hateful rhetoric and further threats against LGBTI people, including from religious leaders.”

Belgrade chosen as EuroPride venue

The city of Belgrade was chosen three years ago by the European Association of Pride Organisers, with the idea that the activities could be a breakthrough for Serbia, a traditionally conservative country that is largely influenced by the Orthodox Church.

The Pride parade is seen by rights groups as an expression of democracy, so much so that they urge their supporters to join the festivities as a response to the autocratic rule of the current president.

Serbia wants to join the European Union and to this end has pledged to support and promote LGBTIQ+ rights, but for a long time it has moved much closer to the Kremlin’s policies. Serbia is considered an anti-rights country for this community, it has also been classified as racist and pro-Putin.

Some officials of the European Union stated that they will attend the events related to the EuroPride party. For his part, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken hopes that the Serbian government will rescind the ban.

The EuroPride in Belgrade will come to an end this Sunday, after holding more than 130 concerts and human rights activities.

With AP and EFE.