Budapest mayor says he is proud to face charges over leading Pride parade

Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony was criminally charged after leading a Pride march on June 28 that proceeded despite a 2025 ban; prosecutors recommended a fine without a trial, and the mayor has said he will seek a court hearing.

Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony has been criminally charged for his role in organizing and leading a Pride march on June 28 that took place despite a national ban. The march proceeded after Karácsony registered it as a municipal event; police and prosecutors say it violated Hungary's 2025 law that barred Pride events. Prosecutors recommended a fine without a trial, but the mayor has publicly said he wants to go to court. European Green Party figures voiced support for Karácsony and described the march as also expressing concerns about democratic rights. Key facts: - Officials say Karácsony organized and led a Pride assembly on June 28 that proceeded despite a prohibition order under a 2025 law. - The Budapest Chief Prosecutor's Office charged him with organizing an unlawful assembly despite a ban. - Prosecutors proposed a fine without a trial; Karácsony has said he will request a court hearing. Summary: The charges have focused attention on Hungary's restrictions on Pride events and on debates over assembly and expression. The prosecution recommended a fine without a trial, but the mayor has said he will pursue a court hearing; Undetermined at this time.