Chanting “Death to homosexuals” and “The hunt has begun,” right-wing hooligan gangs attacked a gay pride parade in Belgrade, Serbia, during the first attempt by gay activists to host such an event since similar violence broke up a 2001 march.

Anti-gay protesters also set a brief fire at the Democratic Party headquarters. More than 100 people, mostly police officers, were injured and 100 were arrested. –JCL

The BBC:

Reports told of gangs of skinheads roaming the streets, throwing petrol bombs and setting off firecrackers as police battled to hold them back.

Thousands of police had sealed off central Belgrade to protect the event.

While the march took place in a heavily-protected area in and around Majek park, violence flared at several points further afield in central Belgrade.

The Terazije boulevard was littered with rocks and debris by the time the rioting was quelled. Several cars were overturned and had been set on fire.

Democratic Party spokesperson Jelana Trivan said the violence had nothing to do with moral values.

“These are hooligan gangs which must be punished severely,” Ms Trivan said.

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