Serbia’s ban of Pride March raises concerns

Following yesterday’s decision by the Serbian Government to forbid the Pride March scheduled for Saturday 6th October in Belgrade, S&D leader Hannes Swoboda said:

„The decision to ban the Belgrade Pride March for ’safety concerns‘ implies that the Serbian Government does not feel ready to ensure freedom of expression to its citizens and protect those demonstrating from potential violent aggressions.

„We expect all countries in the process of joining the EU to be able to firmly uphold freedom and security of all citizens, including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual people“, concluded Swoboda, who earlier this week had sent a letter to the Serbian PM Ivica Dačić to encourage him to allow the Pride March.