The OSCE Mission to BiH condemned the March 8 incident that took place in Banja Luka during the marking of the International Women’s Day when participants of the traditional protest march were verbally attacked and their LGBTI flag was stolen.

“We condemn the attack on the participants of a peaceful gathering on the occasion of the International Women's Day celebration in Banja Luka. Such attacks are absolutely unacceptable. The authorities have a responsibility to protect the participants from violence and we call on them to act quickly and bring the perpetrators to justice,” OSCE stated.

During the walk, which was held in the city centre, from the National Theater to Krajina Square, individuals shouted insulting words at the participants, and the rainbow flag was stolen from them.

This was the first incident over the past 12 years during which time the march was held.

“The ugly message we heard is the best sign of how conservative and deeply immersed in the patriarchy we are as a society and how unprepared for any kind of tolerance we are. That's exactly why the March 8 march is held every year to draw the public’s attention to the position of women,” Gordana Katana, a journalist and activist and one of the organizers of the March 8 walk said.