Swedish politician Birgitta Ohlsson was forced to scramble to safety after being pelted with eggs at a gay pride parade in Lithuania.
The Local
July 27, 2013
Ohlsson, the Minister for European Union Affairs, was targeted along with several other politicians at the event in Vilnius. Protesters attempted to disrupt the parade, which was attended by hundreds, by throwing eggs and attempting to storm the stage.
“A few eggs hit me in the head,” Ohlsson told Expressen.
“Yes, it was definitely drama. Eggs were thrown at us and some hit me in the head and my body. It was a hateful atmosphere and I saw neo-Nazis and religious fundamentalists screaming hateful rhetoric.”
The parade, which was dubbed the “March for Equality”, is only the second ever gay pride event held in Lithuania which is a largely Catholic country.
A total of 28 arrests were made including Petras Grazulis who is an anti-gay lawmaker who attempted to encourage protesters with a bullhorn. The rioters tried to storm the stage but police cordoned them off.