The European Pride Organisers Association (EPOA) strongly condemn the criminal proceedings launched against Géza Buzás-Hábel, lead organiser of Pécs Pride, who has been summoned for police questioning on 28 October. Targeting a Pride organiser for facilitating a peaceful march is a direct attack on freedom of peaceful assembly and the safety of LGBTIQ communities.
In March–April 2025, Hungary adopted measures that ban or criminalise Pride events, empower police to use facial recognition against participants, and chill public protest. These steps violate Europe’s human-rights standards and EU law. The restriction on freedom of assembly in Hungary, which came into effect on 17 April 2025, provoked 350,000–500,000 people to join Budapest Pride 2025 in protest, generating the largest political mass demonstration in Hungarian history. After this internationally recognised protest, thousands again made their voices heard in Pécs on 4 October 2025, demanding that the restriction of the right to assembly has no place in Hungary.
Thousands marched for equality, dignity, and freedom despite intimidation, threats of fines, and the use of facial recognition surveillance by law enforcement. Against the will of the Hungarian people, the restriction is still in place, and now the police are criminally investigating the organiser of Pécs Pride. This unprecedented step represents yet another alarming escalation in the restriction of the right to peaceful assembly in Hungary.
These restrictions also conflict with the EU Treaties, including the Charter of Fundamental Rights. The European Union has both the responsibility and the legal basis to act and must therefore open (or reopen) infringement proceedings against Hungary without delay.
Our message is simple: Pride is peaceful, legitimate, and protected. Criminalising organisers is unacceptable. We stand with Géza Buzás-Hábel, with Pécs Pride, and with everyone who marches for equality in Hungary.
It is time for action. We call on:
- Hungarian authorities to drop the case immediately, cease harassment of Pride organisers, and ensure that people can assemble without intimidation or biometric surveillance.
- The European Commission to act now: urgently seek interim measures at the CJEU and open or expand infringement action to protect the freedom of assembly.
- Prides across Europe to take action this week:
- Publish a solidarity post naming Géza Buzás-Hábel and Pécs Pride;
- Write to your MEPs and national government urging EU action;
- Amplify updates from Hungarian Pride organisers;
- If you can, support or join the protest on 28 October, 13:45, at Vargha Damján Street Police Headquarters, Pécs (organised by Emberség Ereje Foundation & Amnesty International Hungary).
Freedom of assembly is not a privilege granted by governments; it is a right. We will not be silent while Pride is criminalised.
Statement by:
European Pride Organisers Association (EPOA)