Police in Serbia briefly clashed with far-right supporters who tried to prevent a gay pride parade attended by the country's openly gay prime minister on Sunday.
Prime Minister Ana Brnabic and her partner joined several hundred activists in the annual march through downtown Belgrade. The centre of the capital was sealed off by police during the event.
Hours before the march, around 150 far-right supporters gathered in protest. Some held Orthodox Christian banners and crosses and sang religious songs, and some were dressed as Orthodox monks.
At least five protesters were taken away by police after they refused to move from the route of the march that ended without any major incident.
At the press conference before the Pride commenced Prime Minister Ana Brnabic said:"Pride is very important for Serbia because on this day messages of love, peace and tolerance are sent."
Many carried rainbow flags and flags of the European Union, and banners saying “We do not decide about your marriages," "Queers against Capitalism," and "I will not be silent."
"We still do not have 10,000 people, nor millions of people, but many young people who are afraid are watching this and we are encouraging them," said Marko Mihailovic, one of the march organizers.
In 2010, activists tried to stage the first such march in Belgrade, but the effort was thwarted by violence and riots. In 2014, organizers successfully held a march, and the event has been held annually since.
