In June 2024, online hate speech surged around LGBT Pride events and Euro 2024 football matches. The Istanbul Pride march, held amid a police blockade, saw widespread abuse online, including calls for violence against LGBTQ+ individuals. Similar online hostility was noted across Southeast and Central Europe, with Pride events in Zagreb, Tirana, and Sarajevo receiving hateful comments and threats. In North Macedonia, derogatory remarks targeted the newly elected President over her support for LGBTQ+ rights. During Euro 2024, fan tensions led to nationalist and ethnic slurs on social media, particularly after matches involving Croatia and Albania. The tournament also spurred derogatory posts against neighboring countries, reflecting a broader trend of online intolerance during high-profile events. Read more here.
Source: Balkan Insight