Hungary to Label Antifa as a Terrorist Group, According to Orbán's Statement, Akin to Trump's Decision
In a move that has raised eyebrows across Europe, Hungary's Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, has announced plans to classify Antifa as a terrorist organization. This decision comes after a similar announcement by US President Donald Trump earlier this year.
Orbán, a right-wing populist and strong ally of Trump, bemoaned the release of Italian antifascist activist Ilaria Salis, who was jailed in Hungary for over a year following an incident in Budapest. Salis gained legal immunity after winning a seat in the European Parliament and was later released to house arrest in May 2024.
The incident in question involved antifascist activists assaulting suspected participants in a far-right event, leading to a diplomatic dispute between Rome and Budapest. Orbán criticised Salis, stating that antifa had "come to Hungary and beaten peaceful people in the street, some were beaten half to death."
However, it's important to note that antifascist groups in Hungary rarely engage in political actions. Antifa is an umbrella term for loosely affiliated far-left activists and groups that resist fascism, fascists, and neo-Nazis.
Despite the relative inactivity of antifascist groups in Hungary, the government continues to demand that Salis be returned to face trial, where prosecutors have sought an 11-year sentence. Hungary's decision to designate antifa as a terrorist organization follows Trump's announcement to do the same in the United States.
This move by Hungary is likely to spark debate and controversy, with critics arguing that it could be used to suppress political dissent. However, Orbán has been criticised for his authoritarian tendencies in the past, and this decision could be seen as another step in his efforts to consolidate power.
As the situation develops, it will be interesting to see how other European countries respond to Hungary's decision. For now, it seems clear that the classification of Antifa as a terrorist organization is a divisive issue, with strong opinions on both sides of the argument.
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