7 May 2008 | Fascist organizations are promising violence against visitors who come to Belgrade for the Eurovision song contest, scheduled to take place in Belgrade between May 20 and 24, international publications reported recently.

Gay men are a target in particular, according to media which said that the Obraz fascist organisation had published their violent intentions in the daily newspaper ALO! in April.

Obraz, reportedly linked to other far-right groups, defines itself as an ‘Orthodox clero-fascist’ organisation. It is known for its homophobic views and tendency for violence targeted at gay people.

Several Serbian media published stories last month, which claimed that “thousands” of gay and lesbian people are coming to the capital for the contest, traditionally known for being a gay favourite.

“We are not organising their arrival, therefore we can not take care of their security,” Aleksandar Rados, the Eurovision organiser's public relations representative, told media regarding the gay visitors.

Obraz’s threats have led many to question whether Belgrade is an appropriate location for the music event, pointing to Serbia’s low tolerance and widespread discrimination.

Though some observers claim that the country is among the least accepting states for gay people in Europe, the situation is not much different in the rest of the Balkans, where – despite laws mandating equality and banning discrimination, gay and lesbian people face routine prejudice.

In addition, media noted that citizens of countries that have recognised Kosovo’s independence may also be at risk of attacks.

This is the latest proof of how Eurovision, though intended to be a source of entertainment and a symbol of European unity, often becomes a platform for political squabbles. As BalkanTravellers.com reported in February, Serbia postponed the contest for the nomination of its participant to this year’s Eurovision in protest over Kosovo’s independence declaration.

The country will host the Eurovision song contest this year, after Serbian Marija Šerifović won in 2007 with her ballad Molitva. The semi-finals this year will be held in the Belgrade Arena, capable of holding 20,000 spectators, on 20 and 22 May, while the final will take place on May 24.

An estimated audience of 100 million people watched last year’s contest, which took place in Finland. Over 80,000 people reportedly came to Helsinki for the event and around 20,000 tickets were sold to foreign visitors. Eurovision brought Finland over 12.6 million euro in revenue. Belgrade supposedly expects even more visitors and higher revenue to come by the growing popularity of the show.

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