Hungarian prosecutors have charged Budapest Mayor Gergely Karacsony over his role in organising a Pride march that took place last June despite a police ban, and are seeking a fine via a penal order without a full trial. Tens of thousands marched, turning the event into a major anti-government demonstration directed at Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Critics say the move reflects a broader rollback of LGBTQ+ rights and democratic freedoms, coming ahead of an April 12 election.
Budapest Mayor Charged Over Banned Pride March as Authorities Seek Fine Without Trial
Budapest's Mayor Gergely Karacsony speaks during a joint demonstration organised by opposition parties during the celebrations of the 65th anniversary of the Hungarian Uprising of 1956, in Budapest, Hungary, October 23, 2021. REUTERS/Marton Monus
BUDAPEST, Jan 28 (Reuters) - Hungarian prosecutors have filed charges against Budapest's liberal mayor, Gergely Karacsony, for his role in organising an LGBTQ+ rights rally that went ahead last June despite a police ban. Prosecutors said on Wednesday they are seeking to have a court impose a fine by way of a penal order, without holding a full trial.
Tens of thousands of people marched through the Hungarian capital last June, turning the Pride event into one of the largest anti-government demonstrations in years aimed at nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Authorities say Karacsony broke the law by organising and leading an assembly that had been prohibited.
Karacsony had attempted to sidestep the police ban by registering the Pride march as a municipal event, arguing it did not require the usual permit. Police nonetheless prohibited the assembly, citing the country's child-protection law, but the march ultimately proceeded peacefully.
On his official Facebook page Karacsony wrote: "I went from being a proud suspect to a proud defendant. Because it seems that this is the price to be paid in this country if we stand up for our own freedom and that of others."
Wider Political Context
Critics say the prosecution is part of a broader erosion of LGBTQ+ rights and democratic freedoms under Prime Minister Orban's government over the past decade. In March 2025, lawmakers approved a measure that permits banning Pride marches on grounds of protecting children.
Opponents also view the case in the context of an upcoming election set for April 12, when Orban faces his toughest challenge in 16 years. Most opinion polls cited in reports show the centre-right Tisza party holding a nine to 12 point lead over Orban's Fidesz.
What Prosecutors Are Seeking
The district prosecutor's office said it has proposed the court impose a fine against Karacsony by means of a penal order, which would allow the penalty to be applied without a formal trial. The office did not detail the size of any proposed fine.
The case is likely to draw further international and domestic attention given its implications for free assembly and minority rights in Hungary ahead of the election.
Help us improve.
