Marathon protest against the restrictions on the right of assembly in Budapest – UPDATE LIVE VIDEO 🔴

Marathon protest against the restrictions on the right of assembly in Budapest
Marathon protest against the restrictions on the right of assembly in Budapest. Photo: MTI

Life without freedom is possible but much worse, independent lawmaker Akos Hadhazy said at a demonstration on Elisabeth Bridge in downtown Budapest, held to demand the withdrawal of amendments to the law on the right of assembly.

Hadházy: ‘Life is worse without freedom’

Hadházy told demonstrators that Elisabeth Bridge had become “the second Freedom Bridge”.

“Elisabeth Bridge means the people who know that freedom is not just a phrase or a talking point, that we must act for freedom, that it is worth it.”

Marathon protest against the restrictions on the right of assembly in Budapest
Marathon protest against the restrictions on the right of assembly in Budapest

He called for the protests to last until the government withdraws the law enabling “the use of Chinese-type face recognition softwares to surveille our compatriots in opposition”.

After speeches by former judge Adrienn Laczó and actor Kornél Simon, the demonstrators marched to the Buda Castle where further speeches will be held. Hadházy will hold “public-space MP’s surgery” during the night. Demonstrations are planned to continue on Wednesday afternoon.

Police report on the demonstration

The rally started at 17:00 on Tuesday, 15 April 2025, on Elisabeth Bridge, from which the participants went up to Szent György Square in the 1st district.

Marathon protest against the restrictions on the right of assembly in Budapest
Marathon protest against the restrictions on the right of assembly in Budapest. Photo: MTI

They will return to Elisabeth Bridge at 17:00 on Wednesday, 16 April, and continue the rally until 20:00.

Marathon protest against the restrictions on the right of assembly in Budapest
Marathon protest against the restrictions on the right of assembly in Budapest

19:00 Traffic on the Erzsébet bridge in the direction from Buda to Pest has started.

19:08 From Pest to Buda, public transport can now use one lane.

19:18 Traffic on the Erzsébet Bridge is fully restored in both directions.

LIVE VIDEO

Marathon protest against the restrictions on the right of assembly in Budapest
Marathon protest against the restrictions on the right of assembly in Budapest. Photo: MTI

The protesters promise to demonstrate all night at the Alexander Palace, where the office of the President of the Republic is located. President Tamás Sulyok signed the parliament’s decision immediately without criticism.

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