13 Aug 2021 | 05:06 AM UTC
Romania: LGBTQ Pride parade planned in Bucharest Aug. 14
LGBTQ Pride parade and counterprotest planned in Bucharest, Romania, Aug. 14. Heightened security and localized traffic disruptions likely.
Event
Members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) community plan to hold a Pride parade in Bucharest 17:00-20:30 Aug. 14. Participants will meet at the intersection of Calea Victoriei and Victoriei Square 17:00-18:00 before marching to Unity Square via Calea Victoriei. A rally at Unity Square will occur until 20:30. The New Right Party plans to hold a counterprotest at Victoriei Square at 13:00 Aug. 14.
Police will almost certainly deploy along the Pride march route and around the counterprotest. Anti-LGBTQ activist groups could hold simultaneous demonstrations along the march route and could attempt to disrupt the parade. Local security forces will likely be able to prevent any major incidents, though low-level scuffles between police, parade participants, and opposing activists cannot be ruled out. Authorities may close off roads or cordon off areas near gathering points and along the march route. Localized transport disruptions are likely in affected areas. Public transit routes and schedules may change during the planned events.
Advice
Avoid all protests as a routine security precaution. Allow additional travel time in central Bucharest Aug. 14. Exercise caution in the vicinity of the march route and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation.
