Serbia has decided to “cancel or postpone” a EuroPride event that was due to take place in the Balkan country’s capital, Belgrade, in mid-September, President Aleksandar Vucic announced on Saturday.
“This is a violation of minority rights, but at this moment the state is pressured by numerous problems,” Vucic said during a press conference.
The president explained that the LGBTQ festival, which is held in different European cities every year and includes a Pride Parade, cannot go ahead due to threats from right-wing extremists and fears of violence.
“It’s not a question of whether they [the extremists] are stronger, but you just can’t do it all at the same moment, and that’s it,” Vucic said. “I am not happy about it but we can’t manage.”
Earlier this month, thousands of people took to the streets of Belgrade demanding the EuroPride event be canceled. Demonstrators held signs with the messages: “We don’t want a gay parade and occupation by the West!” and “Keep your hands off our children,” among others.
Serbia, which is seeking EU membership, has promised to protect LGBTQ rights as part of its integration into the bloc.
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