THOUSANDS of protesters blocked major thoroughfares and three bridges in central Budapest on Tuesday in opposition to new rules that effectively ban LGBT Pride events and restrict Hungarians’ right to assembly.

The demonstration in the capital was the second within a week since Hungary’s ruling Fidesz party used its two-thirds parliamentary majority last Tuesday to fast-track the law.

Chanting “democracy” and “assembly is a fundamental right,” thousands poured onto one of the city’s busiest roads, igniting colourful smoke bombs and blocking traffic. They went on to blockade three of the city’s bridges spanning the Danube, facing lines of police blocking their path.