Yesterday a Gay Pride parade was held in Belgrade. A few years back, things turned very nasty, with several participants being beaten up by indignant citizens (a euphemism I'm using for 'huligani' or hooligans, as they're called here.) Last year when members of the Gay Pride movement wanted to march, they were told that the police could not ensure their safety...lame excuse. This year, the City of Belgrade made every effort for a peaceful parade to take place, with the aim to tell the world that all minorities are respected here, and assigned around 5000 police to make sure things went smoothly. The parade itself did go smoothly. However, since in every society there are people who are just waiting for any excuse to smash windows, overturn garbage bins, create general unrest, and provoke the police into using tear gas, some such incidents did take place. In the above photo you see part of a cordon of special police who have blocked off two main streets to vehicle traffic. (taken from my window)
Monday, October 11, 2010
Out in full force
Yesterday a Gay Pride parade was held in Belgrade. A few years back, things turned very nasty, with several participants being beaten up by indignant citizens (a euphemism I'm using for 'huligani' or hooligans, as they're called here.) Last year when members of the Gay Pride movement wanted to march, they were told that the police could not ensure their safety...lame excuse. This year, the City of Belgrade made every effort for a peaceful parade to take place, with the aim to tell the world that all minorities are respected here, and assigned around 5000 police to make sure things went smoothly. The parade itself did go smoothly. However, since in every society there are people who are just waiting for any excuse to smash windows, overturn garbage bins, create general unrest, and provoke the police into using tear gas, some such incidents did take place. In the above photo you see part of a cordon of special police who have blocked off two main streets to vehicle traffic. (taken from my window)
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15 comments:
Well, at least I am glad it happened this time.
It may take a while, but maybe one of these years the gay population of Belgrade can have the kind of celebration they have here in NYC—including total support from all of us. Here's hoping.
yes, this was the first successfully completed gay parade in Belgrade, despite the violence. We do have our parades here in the US, but troubles continue...
bien vu la photo, 5 policier pour une manifestante ;)) La Gay Pride est souvent un moment de joie et de fete, mais pas toujours bien accepte dans certains pays
One day there will be peace for everyone. Nice photo.
Glad the parade was successful and the city supported this celebration. Now if people would just behave themselves.
It's fascinating reading this because I just saw a segment on the news this morning saying 200 people were arrested. It shows how the media can manipulate a story when the parade itself went off smoothly. As you saw, troubles caused by others.
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I hope you were extra careful yesterday and that this picture was taken from your window. Another beautiful morning in Belgrade today brings new hope to all of us.
yes,i see in press what happen..good shot!
From reading CDPs from around the world, it is interesting to see how many Pride Parades are held all over the world.
one step closer to a more peaceful co-existence is always a good thing. I am happy to hear good news from someone I know who lives there.
One never knows if what you hear on the "news" is ever accurate.
«Louis» echoes those who have voiced dismay that the media has once again manipulated the story to fit their agenda.
It is a shame the hooligans gave the media the excuse they needed to skew the facts of the story. The media coverage here made it sound almost as if it were the Rodney King riots in Southern California all over again.
The cops here keep having preparedness drills .. at first it was scary but now its become common place to see cops in body armor toting uzis
It's such a shame that violence seems to have eclipsed the first-ever gay pride parade in Belgrade...but still it's one step in the right directions after cancelling last year's attempt!
Most excellent that City of Belgrade took a new stance. Really cool photo...photo-journalism at its best.
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