Hungary raids Norway-backed NGOs

On the 8 September 2014, Hungarian police raided the offices of Norway-backed NGOs Okotars and Demnet, escalating the government’s campaign against civil society.

A large number of police and investigators raided the offices, taking laptops, copying documents, and forbidding staff from making phone calls, local media reported.

Norway reacted by saying the moves were "unacceptable" and represent "harassment" of civil organisations. Police said the action had been taken because the NGOs were suspected of embezzlement and unauthorised financial activities. It followed similar raids in June 2014.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Political interference row between Norway and Hungary escalates http://www.europeansources.info/record/political-interference-row-between-norway-and-hungary-escalates/

Reuters, 09.09.14: Norway condemns Hungarian NGO crackdown http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/09/09/hungary-norway-idUSL5N0RA1TV20140909

Politics.hu, 08.09.14: Police raid Okotars premises http://www.politics.hu/20140908/police-raid-okotars-premises/

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