March 21st, 2011

Interior minister ordered to stop paramilitaries

Interior Minister Sándor Pintér has been instructed to stop the activity of paramilitary organisations such as the Szebb Jövő Civil Guard which maintained a prominent presence in the Heves county village of Gyöngyöspata for ten days after far right party Jobbik staged a rally there on March 6.

The decision was reached at a Friday morning meeting of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Roma affairs state secretary Zoltán Balog and Roma Authority president Flórián Farkas.

Reports from the Civil Liberties Union and others indicated that the guard members intimidated local Roma and children, who were afraid to leave their homes. Police were present but did not intervene.

The March 6 rally was held after far-right websites alleged widespread crime by Roma in the village. Local residents claim that Roma harassed elderly people and broke into a number of houses.

The Szebb Jövő group has said it will carry out similar patrols in Hajdúhadháza.

Its leader Attila László told Magyar Nemzet at the weekend that there is a political will which finds it displeasing that Hungarians unite and defend themselves against criminals.

Farkas said Pintér was asked to draw up an action plan to address the situation, one which must address the security concerns of residents of small villages, but with an emphasis on stopping paramilitary organisations.

Orbán, Balog and Farkas agreed that job creation and education can primarily lead the way to improving the state of Roma.

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7 Comments

  1. Géza says:

    “there is a political will which finds it displeasing that Hungarians unite and defend themselves against criminals”
    That is what is called “political correct” a virus from western europe (EUssr).
    For decades people overthere can not defend themselfes against all kind of minorities who terrorise whole communities (cities)…hmmm, similar to the roma minority in Hungary!
    If the government will not act, then it is not surprising the people will!!

  2. Viking says:

    That is what is called “political correct” a virus from western europe (EUssr)
    Géza at March 21, 2011 12:41 PM

    To my knowledge this ‘virus’ is healthy and living in the US also, not too speak about all those things that are really “political correct” in China and Iran

  3. Paul says:

    “Orbán, Balog and Farkas agreed that job creation and education can primarily lead the way to improving the state of Roma.”
    weve been hearing this for 20 years. and the situation just gets worse. i only wish we could have the garda in every village.

  4. Viking says:

    i only wish we could have the garda in every village.
    Paul at March 21, 2011 1:30 PM

    And then one or more Gardas to protect from the other Garda/s/
    These are unregistered organisations, filled with people who has received no official training, not being approved by the Police, so they have no more rights than you and me to go out and tell who ever what ever
    So, why are you hiding at home?
    Afraid, or you do not live in such an area you just know would need some Garda?

  5. Anonymous says:

    weve been hearing this for 20 years. and the situation just gets worse.
    Paul at March 21, 2011 1:30 PM
    What has Hungary done in the past 20 years to solve this minority issue? Where has such an approach worked?

  6. Vidra says:

    It costs money for the Hungarian police to protect and serve; it would cost even more to have one that does a better job of protecting and serving everybody. These vigilantes will protect and serve their own for free.
    Of course local governments disapprove but in these difficult times, blah blah blah – and how many Jobbik members and sympathizers already belong to their local polgarörség?

  7. Viking says:

    These vigilantes will protect and serve their own for free
    Vidra at March 21, 2011 4:23 PM

    So it is OK that some Roma set up their own patrols, checking that these ‘Magyar Garda’-inspired vigilantes does not do anything bad, plus check the non-Roma areas for ‘white criminals’?
    I suppose all old ‘white’ women that lives alone will appreciate a late call from these gentlemen, just to check everything OK
    What can be more comforting than beefy bald-headed 20-30 year old males in bomber jackets?
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