Belgrade Criticized For Banning All Gatherings On Day Of Gay Parade

The last gay pride parade in Belgrade in 2010 was marred by violence

Belgrade is facing international criticism after banning all public gatherings on October 6, a day on which members of Serbia's gay community had scheduled to host a pride parade.

Navi Pillay, the United Nations' High Commissioner for Human Rights, says Belgrade should help organizers reschedule the event instead of banning it.

Britain's Minister for Europe David Lidington said Serbian authorities are failing to protect and promote the rights of all of its citizens.

On October 3, Serbia's Interior Ministry banned public gatherings due to "security assessments."

The parade also was banned in 2011 for security reasons after the 2010 event in Belgrade was marred by attacks and violence.

Parade organizer Goran Miletic says activists are now planning an indoor gathering during the weekend of October 6-7 at Belgrade's Media Center and will try to hold the parade again next year.

Based on reporting by AP and RFE/RL Balkan service