Belgrade Pride Parade defies violent opposition

Amnesty International:

Belgrade Pride 2010 began this morning in beautiful weather with a call for tolerance. The violence that erupted outside the venue of the march proved that tolerance is yet to be achieved.

More than 1,000 people gathered in this park before going on their march around the neighbouring streets. Among them were LGBT activists from neighbouring countries, Amnesty International activists and activists from other international organizations, EU ambassadors, Serbian politicians, representatives of Serbian civil society.

Amnesty International's David Diaz- Jogeix said: "Today was a historic moment in Serbia -- the first time in a decade when the LGBT community and its supporters could freely gather -- with full and proactive protection from the police -- and celebrate diversity. We hope this will be a benchmark for future dialogue and tolerance in Serbia."