The mayor of Amsterdam escapes trial in Hungary
Amsterdam's mayor, Femke Halsema, will not be prosecuted for her participation in the 'Budapest Pride' event. The Budapest police announced that they would not press charges against any of the participants in the event, which was banned by the Hungarian government, including other Dutch politicians.
The police clarified that the participants were unaware that the event was illegal, especially since the opposition and the municipality in Budapest suggested through their statements that the event could be organized as a municipal event.
The local bar association expressed doubts about the possibility of legally pursuing the participants. Reports indicated that some had been identified using facial recognition technologies and were subject to fines exceeding 500 euros.
Halsema confirmed in her statements to the ANP agency that she was aware of the possibility of being prosecuted, especially since she did not carry a diplomatic passport during her participation, which came at the invitation of the Mayor of Budapest. It is still unclear whether the event organizers will face charges, as the new Hungarian laws may impose prison sentences of up to a year.
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