The mayor of the coastal city of Split, Zeljko Kerum, and his two deputies Jure Sundov and Andjelka Viskovic, issued a joined statement on Saturday evening saying they would not attend this year's gay pride parade in Split, announced for 9 June, thus reacting to the statement by Interior Minister Ranko Ostojic who told Slobodna Dalmacija daily of Saturday that all city council members and the mayor should attend the Split Pride event.
"Minister, we will not go to the Pride Parade in Split. We clearly said it, we did not hide ... and buy time by sending you to the parade," the statement said.
The Split city leaders criticised Minister Ostojic, saying that instead of calming the tensions ahead of the announced event the minister "is delegating and sending people to the parade".
The city's first Gay Pride parade was held last year when some 50 people were arrested for rioting and homophobic behaviour. Last year, eight people were injured when anti-parade demonstrators hurled stones, bottles and other objects at the parade participants.
