Pride demonstration in Belgrade

Hundreds of LGBTQ+ rights activists gathered in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, on Saturday. This demonstration took place despite a large police presence and hostile messages from conservative leaders and far-right factions in the country.

Previous year incidents

The previous edition of this event was marked by clashes between the police and opponents of Pride. The latter considered that this demonstration went against traditional Serbian Orthodox Christian principles and that it should be banned.

Messages from protesters

During Saturday’s march, participants displayed slogans such as “We’re not even close”, alluding to the situation of LGBTQ+ rights in Serbia, but also messages calling for equal marriage and “queer liberation without commercial capitalism.

Opposition and police presence

A large police force was deployed in the center of Belgrade. At the same time, a group of opponents of the march, notably composed of Orthodox priests, demonstrated their discontent by brandishing religious icons.

Position of the Serbian president

Before this 11th edition of the Pride march in Serbia, President Aleksandar Vucic affirmed that he would not support legislation in favor of same-sex marriage or partnerships as long as he was in power. He also mentioned not allowing rainbow flags to be displayed near his office during the march.

Silence of the Prime Minister

Ana Brnabic, prime minister of Serbia and openly gay, has rarely taken a stand in favor of LGBTQ+ rights in the country, despite her closeness to President Vucic.

International support

Before the march, 25 embassies and representative offices, as well as the European Union delegation in Serbia, expressed their support for Pride values ​​and called for the protection of the rights of LGBTQ+ people.

Geopolitical positioning of Serbia

Serbia aspires to join the European Union. However, under Vucic’s decade-long governance, the country has moved closer to Russia and its anti-Western policies, particularly regarding the rights of LGBTQ+ people.