Trouble Flares at Gay Pride after Brussels OKs Croatian membership at EU

 Split Croatia-  Thugs and extremists, many throwing stones, firecrackers, eggs, and bottles, brought an end this afternoon to the first Gay Pride to be staged in the port city of Split, southern Croatia.

Nearly 300 joined the Parade.  But they were faced by an estimated 10,000 protesters.

The trouble came 24 hours after the European Union announced that Croatia would be able to join the EU in 2013 – and the Croatian government pledging to protect human rights.

State television is reporting this evening that “dozens” have been arrested and “several” injuries have been reported.

By a spokesperson for the Split police has said that 300 had been arrested, with 81 charged with public disorder.

Five people had been hospitalised at 4pm, officials reported.  Several journalists are said to be among those injured.

The almost 300 participants in the Pride March were escorted by two hundred policemen.  But they, and the riot police with tear gas, could do little to prevent trouble.

Continual shouts of “kill the fags”, “we are Croats” and “kill the queers – Serb kills” were directed at march participants who were also subjected to having an assortment of missiles thrown at them.

The attacks in Split this afternoon came shortly after the visit to Croatia by the Pope. The theme of the visit was supporting the Catholic family.  Several Croatian bishops have condemned what they call “unnatural families”

Activist Sanja Juras from the Kontra gay association told Slobodna Dalmacija: “Unfortunately, the police should go to a course on how to protect a parade”.

Reuters is reporting that there were four journalists were among the dozen injured.
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