Serbian police arrested more than 60 people as thousands of LGBTQI+ activists turned out for Belgrade's EuroPride march on Sept. 17despite a governmental ban, The Guardian reported.
The event had been intended as the culmination of the EuroPride gathering. But the interior ministry had banned the march, citing security concerns after right-wing groups threatened to hold protests.
The Balkan country's prime minister, Ana Brnabicwho happens to be openly lesbiansaid 64 people were arrested and 10 police officers injured, but emphasized that she was "proud" that the day ended with "no major incidents."
Serbia, a candidate for EU membership, had been under intense international pressure to allow the march.
Same-sex marriage is not legally recognized in Serbia, where homophobia is pervasive despite some progress over the years in reducing discrimination.