Headlines
Hungary charges Budapest mayor over role in banned Pride march
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on January 28, 2026
2 min readLast updated: January 28, 2026
Quick Summary
Budapest's mayor faces charges for organizing a banned Pride march that became a major anti-government protest against PM Viktor Orban.
Budapest Mayor Charged for Organizing Controversial Pride March
Legal Actions Against Budapest's Mayor
BUDAPEST, Jan 28 (Reuters) - Hungarian prosecutors have brought charges against Budapest's liberal mayor, Gergely Karacsony, over his role in arranging an LGBTQ+ rights rally, and are seeking to impose a fine without holding a trial, they said on Wednesday.
Background of the Pride March
Tens of thousands of protesters marched through Budapest last June despite a police ban, turning the Pride march into one of the biggest anti-government demonstrations in years against nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
Government's Stance on LGBTQ+ Rights
Prosecutors said Karacsony violated the law by organising and leading a banned assembly.
Political Implications Ahead of Elections
"The district prosecutor's office has proposed that the court impose a fine against the defendant by means of a penal order, without holding a trial," they said.
Karacsony had attempted to circumvent the ban by registering the Pride march as a municipal event, which he argued did not require a permit.
Police nevertheless prohibited it, saying it fell under the child‑protection law. The march ultimately went ahead peacefully.
"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," Karacsony wrote on his official Facebook page on Wednesday.
Orban's government has steadily curtailed the rights of the LGBTQ+ community in the past decade, and lawmakers passed a law in March 2025 allowing Pride marches to be banned on grounds of protecting children.
Critics say the move is part of a wider crackdown on democratic freedoms ahead of an election set for April 12, when Orban faces his toughest challenge in 16 years.
Most polls say that the centre-right Tisza party has a nine to 12 point lead ahead of Orban's Fidesz.
(Reporting by Anita KomuvesEditing by Ros Russell)
Key Takeaways
- •Hungarian prosecutors charged Budapest's mayor.
- •The charges relate to organizing a banned Pride march.
- •The march turned into a large anti-government protest.
- •Prosecutors seek a fine without a trial.
- •The event was a significant opposition to Viktor Orban.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hungary charges Budapest mayor over role in banned Pride march
1What is a Pride march?
A Pride march is a public demonstration held to celebrate LGBTQ+ identities and promote equal rights. It often features parades, speeches, and various events to raise awareness about LGBTQ+ issues.
2What is a prosecutor?
A prosecutor is a legal representative who brings charges against an individual in a court of law. They are responsible for presenting evidence and arguments to prove the accused's guilt.
3What is a fine?
A fine is a monetary penalty imposed by a court or legal authority as punishment for an offense. It is often used as a deterrent against unlawful behavior.
4What is an LGBTQ+ rights rally?
An LGBTQ+ rights rally is an event organized to advocate for the rights and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals. These rallies aim to raise awareness and promote equality.
5What is a police ban?
A police ban is an official prohibition issued by law enforcement that restricts certain activities, such as public gatherings or protests, often for safety or legal reasons.
