VIOLENCE AT BOSNIA GAY FESTIVAL

Violent clashes at Bosnia’s first gay festival on Wednesday have left three people injured.

The violence took place during the event’s opening ceremony in Sarajevo outside the Academy of Fine Arts.

A group of anti-gay hooligans attacked the around 50 participants, but were largely kept at bay by a significant police presence.

The attack resulted in injuries to two journalists and a policeman. One of the journalists is said to have been severely beaten.

The festival, consisting of exhibitions, performances, public discussions and films, has been met with opposition from many Muslims in part because it is taking place during the holy month of Ramadan.

Death threats against participants have been made on the internet, in the media and on posters placed around the city; some proclaiming “death to homos”.

Amnesty International last week called on the authorities to guarantee a safe environment the event.