"A record number of people including Hungarians from across the country and dozens of MEPs and officials from across Europe turned up, transforming the march into a potent symbol of pushback against Orban and his government's steady rollback of rights. On Wednesday, prosecutors said Karacsony had organised and led a public gathering despite the police ban, adding in a statement that they were proposing that the court impose a fine on the defendant in a summary judgment without a trial."
"The decision by prosecutors comes less than three months before parliamentary elections in which Orban, who has long faced criticism for weakening democratic institutions, eroding media freedom and undermining the rule of law, is facing an unprecedented challenge from a former top member of his own party, Peter Magyar."
Prosecutors filed charges against Budapest mayor Gergely Karacsony and are seeking a fine after he organised Budapest Pride despite a police ban. Legislation backed by Fidesz and Viktor Orban established a legal basis for banning Pride, citing the protection of children. Police used that law to ban the march, and Karacsony declared the event a municipal gathering to bypass official authorisation. A record number attended, including Hungarians from across the country and dozens of MEPs and European officials, making the march a symbol of pushback against rights rollbacks. Prosecutors propose a summary judgment without a trial less than three months before parliamentary elections.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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