Hungarian police have proposed charges against Budapest Mayor Gergely Karacsony for organizing pride in June, despite a police ban, LETA reports citing AFP.
If the prosecution decides to follow this recommendation, Karacsony faces up to one year in prison if found guilty of organizing an illegal rally and inciting participation in it.
Karacsony called the police-supported accusations absurd, noting that local government has the right to hold any events on its public territory.
According to the pride organizers, more than 200,000 people participated in the march on June 28. They stated that such mass participation is linked to public protest against Prime Minister Viktor Orban's long-standing policy of restricting LGBTQ rights under the pretext of protecting children.
After Orban announced his intention to ban pride, the ruling coalition passed new laws in parliament prohibiting the annual march. The Budapest municipality got involved in organizing the event to circumvent the imposed restrictions, but the police banned the pride.
Before the march, Orban warned the organizers and participants of potential legal consequences. Nevertheless, in July, the police stated that they would not pursue participants who could face a fine of 500 euros for participating in pride.
Karacsony, who was questioned in August, stated that he is proud of the potential charges in this case.
"I am proud to have taken all political risks in the name of my city's freedom, and I will proudly stand before the court to defend my freedom and that of my city," emphasized the mayor.
