Head of OSCE Mission regrets cancellation of Belgrade Pride March

BELGRADE, 28 September 2013 - The Head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia, Peter Burkhard, made a statement today following yesterday’s decision by state authorities to cancel the 2013 Belgrade Pride March:

"I am deeply concerned that the threats by various extremist groups to the planned Pride March led to the decision by the authorities to cancel the event for the third year in a row. Although we recognize that the decision was based on a security assessment, it is highly disappointing that the climate created by those intent on inciting violence did not allow citizens to enjoy their constitutionally guaranteed rights to freedom of assembly and freedom of expression,” said Burkhard.