Nine hundred police will provide security at a gay pride parade to be held in the southern Adriatic city of Split on Saturday and a helicopter will cruise above the seaport while the parade is under way, officer Pasko Ugrina told reporters on Thursday.
The public assembly is expected to take place between one and six pm.
Ugrina said the police invited all citizens to cooperate and refrain from violence and other illegal behaviour, adding that the police were ready to respond to any form of violence.
Asked how many police officers provided security at last years' Pride in Split and how much it cost the taxpayers, he said 688 police had been engaged and that it had cost HRK 752,000 (approx. 100,000 euros).
Organisers will also have their security at the event and expect 300 people to take part in the parade.
