<p><br /> Serbian police have clashed with anti-gay protesters shutting down much of central Belgrade. The protesters were demonstrating against a gay rights rally being held in the conservative Balkan state.<br /> </p><p><br /> Some anti-gay protesters were seen handcuffed being led away by police following the clashes.<br /> </p><p><br /> Authorities had mobilised mounted police and officers in riot gear in a tight security operation in the streets escorting the Gay Pride parade from its starting point in Majez Park, following repeated clashes between officers and anti-gay protesters earlier in the day.<br /> </p><p><br /> However, Gay Pride marchers had to be evacuated by police after anti-gay protesters set fire to the political headquarters of President Boris Tadic.<br /> </p><p><br /> Surveys show that about 60 percent of Serbians disapprove of homosexuality, and one third of those say violence should be used to interrupt gay public events.<br /> </p><p><br /> In the last Belgrade march in 2001, dozens of gay activists and policemen were injured in clashes with nationalists, neo-Nazis and hooligans. A similar parade in 2009 was cancelled after protesters threatened to attack the march.<br /> </p>
