Hungary changed the laws and constitution earlier this year, and banned the annual pride celebration with the motivation to "protect children". The Budapest parade had therefore not received any police permit.
Prior to the event, Orbán promised that the police would not interrupt the march, but warned organizers and participants of legal consequences. The organizers risk one year in prison and participation can result in fines of approximately 5,000 kronor.
I am one of those who do not think that what happened is something to be proud of. I say that it is a shame, says Orbán in his first public reaction to the pride parade, according to an excerpt from a TV interview published on social media in advance.
The police tell AFP that they are "investigating the events that took place at Saturday's gathering".
The opposition mayor of Budapest, Gergely Karácsony, has insisted that no participant should suffer any reprisals since the demonstration – which this time was organized by the city hall – is a municipal event.
The organizers talk about a historic turnout and estimate the participation to be between 180,000 and 200,000.
