Anti-gay protests in Serbia may hurt nation's bid to join EU

A European Union official says violent anti-gay riots in Serbia could hurt the Balkan country's bid to join the bloc.

Police on Sunday clashed with thousands of far-right supporters who were trying to try disrupt a gay pride march in Belgrade. About 140 people were hurt and 200 were arrested, The Associated Press reports.

Participants to the parade estimated to number 1,000 were not injured with the protection of 5,000 cops. The march proceeded around Majek park.

In 2001, a similar parade was attacked by anti-gay activists resulting in injuries. A similar march planned last year was cancelled for security reasons.

The Serbian Orthodox Church condemned the parade on Friday and a demonstration was held on Saturday to protect the Gay Pride parade, AHN says.