National File Police in Belgrade have made several arrests after clashes surrounding Europe’s largest pride parade erupted in the Serbian capital. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić initially announced that the event would be cancelled, citing fear of violence, after massive protests were organized by the Serbian Orthodox Church and various nationalist groups. Serbian Prime Minister Ana Branabic ultimately gave organizers “guarantees” that the event could proceed, however. Clashes later erupted after a mockery of Jesus Christ was made at the event, which angered Serbian Christians.
The United States and particularly the European Union demanded that the event be held as planned, however. Serbia — which has been trying to join the European Union for over a decade — was told that cancelling the event would violate Europe’s human rights laws and damage their prospects of joining the bloc…
