Budapest’s liberal Mayor Gergely Karácsony was questioned by Hungarian police on Friday over his involvement in organizing this year’s LGBTQ+ Pride March, which defied an official ban from the right-wing Orbán government. The June 28 event became Hungary’s largest-ever Pride march, drawing an estimated 300,000 people despite government efforts to suppress it.
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What Happened?
Mayor Karácsony arrived at the National Bureau of Investigation in Budapest on Friday morning, greeted by more than 200 supporters outside the headquarters. Before entering under police escort, he delivered a brief but powerful message:
“A month ago at Budapest Pride, we told the world that neither freedom nor love can be banned in Budapest. And if it can’t be banned, it can’t be punished.”
Karácsony has been formally accused of organizing a prohibited public event, though he declined to answer questions during police interrogation.
Background: Pride Banned Under Controversial Law
The investigation stems from a controversial law passed by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party, which bans LGBTQ+ events and authorizes facial recognition surveillance to track participants. Officials claimed the law is intended to “protect children,” but rights groups and international observers have denounced it as discriminatory.
Despite the legal risks and potential fines, Budapest’s June 28 Pride March saw a massive turnout, signaling a direct challenge to government censorship and anti-LGBTQ+ policy.
Karácsony: A Vocal Opponent of Orbán’s LGBTQ+ Crackdown
Mayor Karácsony, a key figure in Hungary’s liberal opposition, has been outspoken in his criticism of the Orbán government’s actions, calling them an attack on basic human rights. The 2021 law banning LGBTQ+ depictions to minors mirrors similar legislation passed in Russia, and has drawn condemnation from the EU and human rights organizations.
“The government has failed in its efforts to suppress the LGBTQ+ community,” Karácsony said after his questioning. “Their force has weakened, and it no longer influences people’s thinking.”
Support and Outrage
Budapest Pride Chairwoman Viktória Radványi praised the mayor’s bravery and integrity, stating:
“Being a mayor isn’t just about running public transport—it’s about standing up when citizens’ rights are under attack.”
Across Hungary and Europe, rights groups and politicians continue to rally behind Karácsony, viewing the investigation as an abuse of power designed to intimidate activists ahead of the 2026 general elections.
What’s Next?
Legal proceedings are ongoing against Karácsony and other Pride organizers, with the government maintaining that the event was illegally held. So far, no charges have been filed against individual participants, though officials have vowed to continue investigating organizers.
With Hungary’s political climate intensifying, Karácsony emphasized the upcoming 2026 elections as a crucial moment for the nation:
“We want to live in a country where freedom isn’t something the powerful hand out when they choose—but a right for all.”
Conclusion: A Battle Over Hungary’s Future
The interrogation of Budapest’s mayor over his role in Pride highlights the deepening political and cultural divide in Hungary. As Orbán’s government doubles down on anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, opposition voices like Karácsony’s are gaining global attention. The case has become more than just a legal issue—it represents a symbolic clash over the direction of Hungarian democracy and civil rights.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.