Independent MP Hadházy organises 11th protest in Budapest, police file report

On Tuesday, independent MP Ákos Hadházy and his supporters held their eleventh protest, this time against what they call “laws written to Putin’s tune.” The demonstration, organised by the independent MP, began at Ferenciek Square and marched to the Sovereignty Protection Office on Sánc Street, where police had set up a cordon to greet the protesters.

Hadházy: These gatherings do not require prior notification

Following the protest, police filed a report against Hadházy himself, and several participants are now facing legal proceedings. In a post shared on Wednesday, Hadházy emphasised that any potential fines would only affect him personally, not the other demonstrators.

He also argued that any penalty would be unlawful, pointing out that “even under Fidesz’s own laws, gatherings that arise spontaneously in response to new and previously unknown events do not require prior notification.”

The protest is part of an ongoing series led by Hadházy, who has become a prominent critic of the government’s recent legislative moves. The opposition claims these new laws threaten Hungary’s democratic institutions and align the country more closely with Russia’s political model.

Statement from the police

The police have launched a misdemeanour procedure against the organisers of Tuesday’s unlawful gathering, the official website police.hu, said on Wednesday.

The website said that a gathering had been officially announced and acknowledged by the authorities for 5 PM on Tuesday, to be held in downtown Budapest. Police said that “many have started an unlawful gathering” after the officially announced event, which prompted police to stop traffic on Elisabeth Bridge for a short time to ensure traffic safety.

The police have filed a report against the organisers of the unlawful gathering for abuse of the right to assembly. Procedures for misdemeanours concerning the use of pyrotechnical equipment were launched against two people, and a misdemeanour procedure for traffic violation against one, the statement said. One person was detained on an outstanding warrant for assault against a person in official capacity, police.hu said.

Find more news about demonstrations in Hungary HERE.

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