After opposition politicians in Hungary set off a number of smoke bombs in Hungary’s parliament to protest a ban on the LGBT Pride Parade, a Fidesz politician required urgent medical care. Now, the responsible politicians may be held criminally liable for the stunt.
On Tuesday, the Hungarian Parliament adopted a law amend Act LV of 2018 on the Right of Assembly, regarding the protection of children, and related laws. The law passed with a clear majority of 136 votes, with only 27 against. According to the adopted proposal, the Pride Parade will no longer be held in the future in the country, with serious violations for anyone attempting to participate.
To protest the new law, Momentum politicians set off smoke bombs in parliament. During the incident, Fidesz MP Gábor Bányai required medical intervention when he began choking on the smoke.MP Ágnes Kunhalmi also had trouble breathing.
MP Ákos Hadházy’s illegal action to occupy parliament and release the colorful smoke bombs could have serious legal consequences, said Zoltán Lomnici Jr., the scientific director of the Századvég Institute, while speaking with Hungarian newspaper Magyar Nemzet.
Momentum representatives attempted to disrupt the vote with the chaotic spectacle, then organized a demonstration on Kossuth Square. After that, part of the crowd, led by independent MP Ákos Hadházy, marched to Margaret Bridge and held a demonstration without reporting it to the authorities.
“Anyone who organizes a meeting subject to the notification obligation without notifying the competent authority commits a violation of the rules. This may result in a fine, community service, or, in more serious cases, detention for a violation, which can only be imposed by a court,” said Lomnici Jr.
According to judicial practice, the organizer of such a demonstration must act with increased responsibility, and in certain cases, liability for damages may arise, primarily if a demonstration is no longer peaceful.
Lomnici Jr. also mentioned that disruption during voting can have serious consequences. He drew attention to the fact that the chairman presiding over the parliamentary meeting may exclude an MP who disrupts the meeting, debate or voting process from the given meeting day or meeting. He may order the immediate banning of the politician, and the president of the National Assembly may also impose a fine in the form of a reduction in remuneration.
The director highlighted that the scandalous behavior of the representatives may have led to the “unauthorized performance of public security activities” and the “violation of regulations related to explosives and pyrotechnic products for civilian use.”
Furthermore, if proceedings are initiated for a violation of the rules of parliament, the Prosecutor General will submit a motion to suspend immunity in the relevant case to the president of the parliament.
Lomnici Jr. pointed out that the crime of endangerment committed in the context of occupation may also arise against those who are in a hurry.
“Whoever, by violating an occupational rule, intentionally exposes the life, physical integrity or health of another or others to direct danger or causes bodily harm shall be punished with imprisonment for a term of five to ten years in more serious cases,” he stated.
In practice, it is unlikely any Momentum politician will face prosecution over the incident, but there could be legal repercussions and fines. However, Lomnici Jr. appears to be implying there could be a criminal case in the future. It remains to be seen how Hungarian prosecutors will proceed in the case.
