Serbian gay activists hold indoor pride event

[October 06, 2012]  BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) -- Serbian gay rights activists have staged a brief protest and held an indoor gathering after a pride march was banned by police over far-right security threats.

Amid heavy police presence, about two dozen flag-waving activists briefly appeared Saturday outside an office building in central Belgrade for what they described as a "small, silent, non-violent and motionless protest."

The decision by Serbia's government to ban the pride event for the second year in a row has drawn criticism at home and abroad.

Human Rights Watch urged Serbia on Friday to revoke the decision and provide security for the marchers. The group says "basic human rights are being thrown overboard."

Police have said they feared a repeat of violence from 2010 when more than 100 people were injured.

[Associated Press]

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