Prosecutors are charging a far right Serbian leader with orchestrating violence during a gay pride march in Belgrade in October at which more than 150 people were hurt.

The Higher Court in Belgrade says Milan Obradovic, leader of extremist group Obraz, or Honor, is charged with “committing violent acts at a public gathering.”

Spokeswoman Dusica Ristic said Friday that an unspecified number of other group members have been indicted, as well. They face up to 12 years in prison.

Extremist groups attacked the police securing Serbia’s first gay pride gathering in years, triggering daylong street clashes. Many shop windows and cars in the Serbian capital were destroyed.

Serbia has pledged to protect human rights as it seeks EU membership.

December 24, 2010
Associated Press

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