The mayor of Budapest questioning about organizing a forbidden Pride March

The mayor of Budapest was questioned by police as a suspected of helping organize a forbidden LGBTQ march in the city.

The event took place on June 28, despite warnings about potential legal consequences by Hungary’s nationalist Prime Minister Victor Orban, whose government passed a law earlier this year, banning the event.

Organizers say that despite the threats of fines, a record 200,000 people participated in the rally, which quickly descended into an anti -government protest.

Wearing the arc T -shirt involving the coat of arms of the capitals, Mayor Gergeli Kraksoni, who appeared at the National Investigation Bureau of Hungary on Friday, told the supporters: “Neither freedom nor love can be banned in Budapest.”

If accused and convicted, Karacsony may face a year in prison for organizing and promoting participation in forbidden March.

“They described the prosecution. I said that I consider this unfounded and that he would file a complaint against him,” Karaksoni told a crowd of about 200 supporters and journalists who gathered outside the building where he had been questioned for more than an hour.

“Neither freedom nor love can be banned in Budapest,” said the mayor, who added, “If he cannot be banned, he cannot be punished.”

Accompanied by his lawyer, Karaksoni did not answer any questions raised by investigators, but instead presented them with his statement.

The annual pride march doubted as the government passed a law in March, limiting gatherings if they violated the child protection laws on the public promotion of homosexuality.

It was the last measure from the Orban government aimed at the LGBTQ+ Hungary Community.

In 2020, Hungary eliminated its legitimate recognition of transgender people and in 2021 the government passed a law banning the depiction of homosexuality under 18 years.

Despite the ban, the mayor has stood in challenge, promising: “The Budapest City Hall will organize a Budapest march for pride as a local event on June 28” and claims that the police cannot legally ban a municipal event.

Last month, police announced that they would not take action against those who could face fines up to € 500 (427 pounds; $ 586) for the presence of the pride parade.

However, the National Investigation Bureau of Hungary, which is charged with investigating serious and complex crimes, said it has launched a probe against an “unknown perpetrator” accused of organizing a rally.