Hungarian prosecutors have charged Budapest’s progressive mayor, seeking to fine him months after hundreds of thousands of people joined a Pride march in defiance of a government ban.
The June march drew international attention after Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s right-wing Fidesz party passed legislation creating a legal basis to ban Pride events, citing a widely criticized need to protect children. Believed to be the first such law in recent EU history, it led Hungarian police to ban Budapest Pride. However, Mayor Gergely Karácsony then declared the event a municipal gathering to bypass the official prohibition.
A record number of participants—including Hungarians from across the country, along with dozens of European MPs and officials—joined the march, turning it into a powerful symbol of resistance against Orbán’s government and its steady erosion of rights.
On Wednesday, prosecutors accused Karácsony of “organizing and leading a public gathering despite the police ban” and proposed that a court impose a fine without a trial. The statement did not specify the amount.
This move comes less than three months before parliamentary elections, in which Orbán—long criticized for weakening democratic institutions, undermining media freedom, and eroding the rule of law—faces an unprecedented challenge from Péter Magyar, a former senior member of his own party.
While Orbán’s government has consistently rolled back LGBTQ+ rights, campaigners suggest that with his poll numbers declining, LGBTQ+ communities are increasingly being scapegoated to rally conservative voters.
Karácsony, who has served as mayor since 2019, responded swiftly on social media: “I have gone from being a proud suspect to a proud defendant. Because it seems that this is the price we pay in this country when we stand up for our own freedom and that of others.”
A prominent opposition figure known for displaying LGBTQ+ and Ukrainian flags on the city administration building, Karácsony vowed to continue “standing up for freedom in the face of selfish, petty, and despicable power.” He added, “When people who want to live, to love, to be happy are betrayed by their own country and their government, resistance is a duty.”
Before the Pride march, government officials had warned organizers they could face up to a year in prison and said they would use facial recognition to identify and fine attendees up to €500. However, police announced in July they would not take action against the estimated 200,000 participants.
On Wednesday, European Green Party co-chair Vula Tsetsi highlighted the broader implications of punishing an elected mayor for defending fundamental rights within the EU: “This is not just about Pride; it is a test of whether the EU will stand for democracy.”
Her co-chair, Ciarán Cuffe, echoed this sentiment: “The Orbán regime’s attempt to punish Gergely Karácsony without a trial underscores Hungary’s authoritarian trajectory under Orbán. European institutions must not look away when a member state criminalizes peaceful assembly and democratic leadership.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the Budapest mayor facing charges for urging people to ignore Hungarys ban on Pride events written in a clear and natural tone
Basic Understanding Context
1 What exactly happened
The Mayor of Budapest Gergely Karácsony publicly urged people to ignore a new Hungarian law that bans the portrayal or promotion of homosexuality and gender change to minors This law has been used to effectively ban Pride events and similar LGBTQ gatherings The mayors statement led to prosecutors filing charges against him for inciting the violation of a law
2 What is the law the mayor is accused of breaking
Its often called the AntiLGBTQ Propaganda Law or the Child Protection Law Passed in 2021 it prohibits sharing content with minors that portrays or promotes homosexuality or gender reassignment In practice authorities have used it to ban Pride parades and other public LGBTQ events arguing they could be seen by children
3 Who is the mayor involved
The mayor is Gergely Karácsony the Mayor of Budapest He is a prominent opposition figure to Hungarys ruling Fidesz party led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán
4 What is a Pride event
Pride events are public gatherings that celebrate LGBTQ communities advocate for their rights and promote visibility and equality
Legal Political Implications
5 What specific charges does the mayor face
He has been charged with incitement to breach of the law This is a criminal charge for publicly encouraging others to disobey a legal regulation
6 What could happen to him if found guilty
The potential penalties can range from a fine to imprisonment though a fine or a suspended sentence is considered more likely for a firsttime offense of this nature
7 Why is this such a big deal politically
This case is a direct clash between Hungarys national government and the leadership of its capital city It symbolizes the wider political and cultural war in Hungary between the conservativenationalist government and liberalopposition forces especially over issues of sovereignty EU values and human rights
