Defiant Pride activists march through Serbia, undeterred by far-right hate messages
Despite hate messages from conservative officials and far-right groups, hundreds of Pride activists marched in Belgrade, Serbia, with heavy police presence. Last year's event was marred by clashes between police and anti-Pride groups. The participants held banners advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and criticized rainbow capitalism. Serbia's president, Aleksandar Vucic, stated his opposition to same-sex marriages or partnerships, while Prime Minister Ana Brnabic, the country's first openly gay politician, has rarely spoken in favor of LGBTQ+ rights. Embassies and representative offices of 25 countries and the EU issued a joint statement supporting Pride and urging the protection of LGBTQ+ rights.