Hundreds of police have been deployed in Belgrade after authorities banned a Gay Pride parade for the third year in a row.
On September 28, police in full riot gear surrounded a park in downtown Belgrade where the parade was due to take place, as well as prominent buildings and key crossroads.
Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dacic announced on September 28 that the planned event would have to be cancelled after far-right groups threatened protests.
EU Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fuele said in a statement that the decision to ban the parade was regrettable.
Fuele said, "It is a missed opportunity to show respect for fundamental rights."
Serbia, has been a candidate for EU membership since mid-2012.
Belgrade is expected to open accession talks with Brussels in January.
The United States embassy issued a statement saying it was "very disappointed" by the parade ban
The last Gay Pride parade in Serbia in 2010 ended in violence.
On September 28, police in full riot gear surrounded a park in downtown Belgrade where the parade was due to take place, as well as prominent buildings and key crossroads.
Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dacic announced on September 28 that the planned event would have to be cancelled after far-right groups threatened protests.
EU Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fuele said in a statement that the decision to ban the parade was regrettable.
Fuele said, "It is a missed opportunity to show respect for fundamental rights."
Serbia, has been a candidate for EU membership since mid-2012.
Belgrade is expected to open accession talks with Brussels in January.
The United States embassy issued a statement saying it was "very disappointed" by the parade ban
The last Gay Pride parade in Serbia in 2010 ended in violence.