CROATIA – In June, two very different Pride events took place in Europe: the very first pride event in Split (Croatia) and EuroPride in Rome. The two events clearly showed what different realities LGBT people in Europe live in. While Rome was a massive celebration of diversity, the event in Split turned violent and demonstrated the inability and unwillingness of the Croatian police to ensure safety and to prevent violence.
The actions of the Croatian police caused a situation where the participants of the Pride march were forced to march next to a violent crowd. Due to such inadequate police arrangements, the violent hooligans were free to shower the participants of the Pride march with stones, ash trays and other objects. A number of people were hit, including Linda Freimane, co-chair of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA).
Fremaine said, “It was a scary and horrifying experience. When the shower of stones began, the police did not push back the aggressive crowd and made us walk along the violent protesters and hooligans. There was definitely a feeling of uncertainty and disbelief that the police were allowing this to happen.”
Fremaine continued, “The European Union just concluded its accession talks with Croatia, which is expected to join the Union in 2013. However, the events at Split Pride raise many questions over this country’s ability to ensure the very basic rights of free and peaceful assembly of minority groups.”
The ILGA-Europe has condemned the indecisive and passive behavior of the Croatian police and has called for an official investigation.
