Interior Minister Ivica Dacic says preventing the parade will prevent major chaos Serbian officials have banned this Sunday's gay pride parade in the capital Belgrade, because they fear it will end in violence. Counter-demonstrations have also been banned. Last year a number of people were injured in clashes between police and extremist groups who were trying to stop the pride event from happening. It was the first pride parade since 2001 when the same thing occurred. Interior Minister Ivica Dacic says the marches had been banned to avoid major chaos and the move will protect glbt citizens. "Because of these rallies, above all the anti-parade protests, we could expect enormous damage to public order and peace," he says. "We have seen reports that indicated riots would spread in central Belgrade, to burn cars, headquarters of ruling political parties, seats of foreign companies and embassies." Organiser Goran Miletic has told AFP the ban shows a lack of political will. "Last year they said the state is stronger than the hooligans but this year they capitulated," organiser Goran Miletic told the AFP news agency. At least one far right group says the ban is a victory.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Saturday, 1st October 2011 - 5:12pm