Serbian authorities have banned a gay pride parade due to take place in Belgrade today, saying they fear it will end in violence.
A number of counter-demonstrations have also been banned.
Last year, several people were injured in clashes between police and far-right groups trying to stop the parade.
Organisers have criticised the ban, saying Serbian authorities have capitulated to extremists. Officials insist it is to protect public safety.
The head of the influential Serbian Orthodox Church labelled the planned event a "pestilence" and a "parade of shame".
The Serbian government has been keen to make a good impression with the parade after its international image was tarnished this week by violent clashes between Serb protesters and NATO-led troops in the disputed territory of Kosovo.
Belgrade is hoping to get the green light from the European Commission for EU candidacy on 12 October.
EU representatives had pointed out that Brussels in no way insists on Belgrade holding a gay pride, as some Serb tabloids have suggested.
On Friday, organisers of the parade stressed that in spite of what media reports they had not had any indication from the police or the authorities of serious security threats.
"We had our last meeting with the police Thursday ... we have not had any indications that the authorities might cancel the parade," organiser Goran Miletic said.
