OSCE Mission to Montenegro Head condemns violent disruption of pride parade in Budva as threat to freedom of assembly
PODGORICA, 24 July 2013 – The Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro Ljubomir Kopaj said today’s attacks on participants of the pride parade in Budva represent a threat to the freedom of peaceful assembly.
The Montenegrin authorities had secured the location near the Old Town of Budva with a presence of over 400 police officers. Following the attacks and protests, a reduced-scale parade took place under a police escort, joined by representatives of the international community and officials of the Montenegrin government and political parties.
The Head of OSCE Mission, Ljubomir Kopaj said: “The OSCE Mission condemns the protesters’ aggression that disrupted this peaceful event. Their actions represent a threat to freedom of expression and the right to freedom of assembly, which form the basis for any democratic society.”
He commended the work of the police in ensuring the safety of the rally participants and maintaining peace and order.