European Cities Resume Pride Parades Amid Heightened Security Following Berlin Attack
In the wake of a deadly attack on a Pride event in Berlin, European cities are continuing with their scheduled Pride parades, albeit with increased security measures. Amsterdam hosted its annual canal boat parade, a key event of its Pride festival, featuring 80 vessels, including those representing the Dutch government, military, and LGBTQ+ organizations. The parade was marked by the participation of Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, who emphasized the importance of the event in light of global pressures on LGBTQ+ freedoms and safety. Meanwhile, Hamburg's Pride parade, one of Germany's largest, saw an increased police presence with about 300,000 attendees, up from 260,000 the previous year. The heightened security was a direct response to the recent attack in Berlin, with Hamburg's police chief noting a doubling of officers compared to last year.