Bosnian Capital Braces for Pride Parade – and Hostile Protest

Participants carry placards and rainbow-coloured flags at Sarajevo's first Pride parade, in Sarajevo, September 8, 2019. Photo: EPA-EFE/FEHIM DEMIR

The parade, which comes after the first-ever march in 2019, is being held under tight security. A hardline Muslim political campaign group is organising a counter-protest against this year's parade.

"We have done all the preparations for the Pride parade and all security measures are being taken by the cantonal government and the police. We believe everything will be fine and peaceful," Maida Zagorac, one of the organisers of the Sarajevo Pride March, told BIRN before the event.

The Cantonal government, Sarajevo Police and the City of Sarajevo have pledged to secure both the protesters and the Pride parade organisers.

The Police Department of Sarajevo Canton confirmed that both organisers have been given permits to hold gatherings and that officers will be "taking planned measures and activities" to ensure everyone's security.

For the first time, money to pay for the security measures for this year's Pride has been allocated by the Sarajevo Canton government, the city's Centar municipality and the City of Sarajevo, a move that has been hailed by the organisers.

Sarajevo Canton's Prime Minister Edin Forto told BIRN that 25,000 Bosnian marks, equal to around 12,500 euros, has been allocated to cover security for the event, to ensure that the "human rights of one part of the population" are upheld. "This is about the right to freedom of assembly," Forto said.

The Pride parade will start at Safet Isovic Park around noon in the city centre and march to the Square of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The organisers will also hold a press conference in front of the Bosnian Parliament.