The state of democracy in Hungary: ‘The illness has advanced to a new stage’

EU Observer reports on the far-right protest that took place on 2 April 2011, in the Hungarian village of Hejoszalonta. This was organised by member of Jobbik and paramilitary wing, the Magyar Garda. The demonstration from 2 April 2011 is the second such manifestation by the far-right vigilantes in a month.

At the beginning of March 2011, Jobbik and its allied blackshirts went to the village of Gyongyospata, also claiming to protect it from the crimes allegedly perpetrated by their Roma inhabitants. There the numbers were larger.

According to human rights groups, quoting the local community, some 2-3000 marched repeatedly up and down the streets of the town with torches and whips.

• Primary Source

Le Monde, 6.4.11: Roma hunting season set to continue http://www.presseurop.eu/en/content/article/586961-roma-hunting-season-set-continue

ESO: Background information: Hungary amends media law after EU criticism http://www.europeansources.info/record/hungary-amends-media-law-after-eu-criticism/

ESO: Background information: Hungary's new constitution: Family friendly, hostile to gays http://www.europeansources.info/record/hungarys-new-constitution-family-friendly-hostile-to-gays/

Népszabadság, 3.10.11: Trade unions on front line against Orbán (via PressRelease) http://www.presseurop.eu//en/content/news-brief-cover/1016861-trade-unions-front-line-against-orban

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