After the organizers of the Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) Pride Parade announced that they would organize two events in Banja Luka in preparation for this year’s parade, the Banja Luka police department made an announcement and made a decision to ban the holding of such events.
“The Banja Luka Police Department issued a Decision on the prohibition of public gatherings organized by independent creators and activists ‘Geto’ from Banja Luka and ‘BH Pride Parade’ from Sarajevo, on March 18th, 2023, in the time period from 5:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. in Banja Luka,” announced the Banja Luka Police Department.
As they further stated, the Banja Luka Police Department made the Decision after analyzing all the security aspects and circumstances of this public gathering, and it was assessed that there is a real possibility that such events could lead to greater endangerment of people and property.
“Bearing in mind that in recent days there have been many negative reactions regarding this public gathering and that a number of threats have been sent to the organizer and participants of this gathering, the Banja Luka Police Department appeals to citizens to respect positive legal regulations and not to endanger others with their behavior others”, they concluded in the statement.
It should be recalled that previously the Organizing Committee of the BiH Pride Parade informed the public that the events (film screening, discussion, and party) planned for Saturday, March 18th in Banja Luka will be held regardless of continuous attacks, and attempts to discredit and obstruct the activities and work of the Organizing Committee of the BiH Pride Parade, as well as homophobic, transphobic, and fascist attacks by individuals.
After the Organizing Committee of the BiH Pride Parade announced the holding of the mentioned events, Milorad Dodik, the president of Republika Srpska (RS), expressed his opinion.
“The competent authorities of the RS should consider the possibility that the planned activities within the ‘Pride Parade’ in Banja Luka will not be held, due to justified reasons stated by numerous associations and organizations,” said Milorad Dodik recently.
He added that due to justified reasons, he believes that the competent authorities should consider the possibilities in order to agree with the organizers of the announced meeting that the planned events will not take place, Klix.ba reports.
E.Dz.
