Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán declares intent to classify Antifa as a terrorist group, mirroring actions taken by former U.S. President Trump.
In a move that echoes the United States, Hungary's Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, has announced plans to classify organizations such as Antifa as terrorist groups within the country. This decision comes amidst increasing political polarization, concerns about internal security, and the government's stance against left-wing activist groups viewed as threatening national stability.
The announcement follows a 2023 incident in Budapest, where antifascist activists engaged in assaults against suspected participants in a far-right event. This action has been a subject of controversy, with Orbán criticizing the activists, stating that they had "come to Hungary and beaten peaceful people in the street, some were beaten half to death."
The focus of this decision, however, has shifted towards Ilaria Salis, an Italian activist who was released to house arrest in May 2024, following her arrest in connection with the aforementioned incident. Prosecutors in Hungary have sought an 11-year sentence for Salis, and Hungary continues to demand that she be returned to face trial.
Salis' release led to her winning a seat in the European Parliament, granting her legal immunity. This development has further complicated the situation, leading to an ongoing diplomatic dispute between Rome and Budapest over Salis' treatment in detention.
Antifa, an umbrella term for loosely affiliated far-left activists and groups that resist fascism, fascists, and neo-Nazis, resembles more an ideology than an actual organization. While some have embraced militant tactics, in Hungary, antifascist groups rarely engage in political actions.
Orbán's decision to designate Antifa as a terrorist organization in Hungary is unclear, but it is worth noting that he is a strong ally of US President Donald Trump. Orbán stated that he was "pleased" by the White House announcement that it would designate Antifa a "major terrorist organization" in the United States.
This decision by Hungary has sparked debate and concern among human rights advocates, who argue that such a classification could infringe upon freedom of speech and assembly. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how Hungary will implement this decision and what impact it will have on the country's political landscape.
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