A Pride march was held in Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, to advocate for improving the LGBTQ+ community’s rights in the conservative Balkan country, where they frequently face harassment and discrimination. The event was heavily guarded by the police due to concerns of potential violence from right-wing extremists. Recent incidents, including the assault on a young gay man who had his rainbow flag taken away, added to the need for increased protection.
Although Serbia is aiming to join the European Union, it has a poor democratic record. LGBTQ+ activists are calling for legislation to recognize same-sex partnerships and enhance the rights of the community. The atmosphere at the Pride march was not entirely celebratory, as some participants expressed frustration at the heavy security measures in place, limiting their freedom to demonstrate peacefully.
Under the theme ‘Pride are people,’ the march featured rainbow flags, banners, a concert, and a post-event party. Attendees danced to music played from a truck while passing by significant locations like the Serbian government headquarters and the National Assembly building. The event also saw the presence of Russian refugees who fled conflict in Ukraine and oppression in Putin’s Russia, showing solidarity with the LGBTQ+ cause.
While the Pride march proceeded without major incidents, a small group of opponents along the route sang nationalist and religious songs and displayed a banner reading “Parade-Humiliation.” Despite opposition from the right-wing Belgrade mayor, the event garnered support from Western ambassadors, opposition figures, and liberal members of the Serbian government.
Historically, Pride marches in Belgrade have been marred by tensions, skirmishes, and confrontations between extremist factions and law enforcement. President Aleksandar Vucic’s government had initially prohibited a pan-European Pride event in 2022 but ultimately relented, allowing the march to take place, albeit with heightened security measures.
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