Budapest’s mayor, Gergely Karácsony, has confirmed he is facing criminal charges after supporting and helping to organise a Pride rally in June, which had been prohibited under Hungary’s new anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.
On 11 December, Karácsony released a video message via Facebook, stating that Hungarian authorities have concluded their investigation into his involvement and have officially recommended prosecution.
“The police concluded their investigation against me in connection with the Budapest Pride march in June with a recommendation to press charges,” Karácsony said, as reported by Politico.
“They accuse me of violating the [new law on] freedom of assembly, which is completely absurd.”
The Pride rally, held on 28 June, saw tens of thousands of participants marching through the streets of Budapest, openly defying a government ban imposed by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his ruling right-wing Fidesz party.
Karácsony was among the prominent figures in attendance, showing solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community and pushing back against legislation many critics view as oppressive.
In the video, Karácsony also noted that he was questioned by police in August and has now received formal notice of the charges.
“In a system where the law protects power rather than people, in this system that stifles free communities, it was inevitable that sooner or later, as the mayor of a free city, they would take criminal action against me,” he said.
“I am proud that I took every political risk for the sake of my city’s freedom, and I stand proudly before the court to defend my own freedom and that of my city.”
Hungary’s ban on Pride marches was introduced in March 2025, under the guise of protecting minors from what the government claims is harmful content related to homosexuality. The law imposes fines of up to 200,000 forints (approx. NZD $900) for organisers and attendees.
The legislation sparked widespread criticism from human rights organisations, opposition parties, and members of the public, who argue it violates basic freedoms and targets LGBTQ+ individuals.
