Serbian Party Condemns Pride Caravan Cancellation, Cites Institutional Capitulation to Violence

The Free Citizens' Movement (PSG) has strongly condemned the cancellation of the Pride caravan in Pirot, Serbia, labeling it an "open retreat by institutions in the face of violence." The party criticized the decision, stating that the state once again chose to remove those facing threats rather than apprehending those issuing them.

PSG asserted that the police's role should have been to ensure the peaceful gathering's safety and prevent any violence, not to prohibit the event. "When people are denied their constitutional rights because hooligans threaten them, it is not concern for safety, but an open retreat of institutions before violence," the movement stated in a release.

The Pride caravan was canceled due to a tense situation where individuals opposing the event gathered in the local square, leading authorities to deem the participants' safety compromised. Reports indicate that journalists from N1, Tampon Zona, and the Mašina portal also faced safety threats, with projectiles, including a tomato, thrown at them.

The "Da se zna!" association echoed PSG's condemnation, sharply criticizing the police's decision to ban the event. They argued that law enforcement allowed "hooligans to directly endanger the lives" of journalists, further highlighting the perceived failure of authorities to maintain order and protect fundamental rights.