The Citizens' Protector (Ombudsman) expresses his content with prompt and efficient police reaction in protecting participants of the Belgrade Queer Fest, which has proven determination of the state authorities to protect safety of all citizens, without discrimination. The fact that the state authorities are more engaged in suppressing violence in all life areas more efficiently, needs to be welcomed as well.

At the same time, the Protector regrets the attack to the participants of a public gathering even happened , in which two internationals (from the United States of America and Russia) and two Serbian citizens were injured. Thereby, not only that the individual physical integrity and safety were hurt, as well as the right to a freedom of movement, freedom of public gathering and expression of opinion. These are values that are as highly appreciated in Serbia, as in any democratic society.

The atmosphere of mutual respect of diversities and harassment protection of those who belong to a minority group based a personal quality does well to each of us, weather we belong to minority or majority. Violence is neither a way of changing others opinions, nor a mean of promoting the one’s own, but first and foremost, a criminal act. Public gatherings organized by homosexuals, lesbians, bisexuals or transsexuals have no aim to promote any of sexual orientation, but rather to bring public attention on discrimination of citizens who belong to one of these groups.

The Citizens' Protector is assured that the mandated authorities of the Republic of Serbia will continue to efficiently protect constitutional right to a peaceful public gathering and to process both, the perpetrators and those who call on violence. He strongly hopes at the same time that such cases will be significantly reduced.

(End of release)

Republic of Serbia
Protector of Citizens
22 September 2008