In Hungary, man faces up to three years in jail for removing LGBT flags

Hungarian flags on Budapest's Elizabeth Bridge, Hungary. Photo: Mi Hazánk Mozgalom on Facebook

A Hungarian man who removed dozens of Pride flags from Budapest’s Elisabeth Bridge is facing a potential fine of nearly 2.6 million forints (€7,300) and up to three years in prison if convicted of causing significant criminal damage, reports The European Conservative.

The incident occurred amid controversy over the placement of LGBT symbols in the Hungarian capital ahead of the Budapest Pride, scheduled for June 27. The city's liberal mayor, Gergely Karácsony, had previously ordered the so-called Progress Pride flags to be hung on the bridge — flags that, in addition to rainbow symbolism, include elements associated with transgender and intersex agendas, as well as racial minorities.

Videos appeared online showing the man removing the flags from the bridge and throwing them into the Danube. Following a complaint from the city hall, police identified the suspect and questioned him. According to the publication, the man admitted to his actions and stated that he was proud of what he had done and would do it again, as he had acted in accordance with his personal convictions.

Representatives of the nationalist movement "Our Homeland" (Mi Hazánk) expressed their support for the man. The party's vice president, Előd Novák, pledged to cover the cost of any fines imposed against the man and announced that the individual would receive a "Public Courage Award" at an anti-LGBT "Family Pride March" organised by his movement next month.

After the LGBT flags were removed, activists from the youth wing of Mi Hazánk placed Hungarian national flags on the bridge. However, footage soon appeared online allegedly showing a person throwing one of them into the Danube. Police launched an investigation, and representatives of Mi Hazánk announced their intention to file complaints over vandalism and desecration of a national symbol.

Previously, the UOJ reported that an Anglican bishop repented for "persecuting" LGBT people.

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