Hungary must pay a fine of several thousand euros after a Strasbourg court ruled in March to uphold the right to publicly display the red star; ruling Fidesz and Christian Democrat lawmakers proposed diverting state monies from political parties to pay the fine, a motion approved by lawmakers on Monday.
The constitutional committee voted for the proposal with a simple majority.
The court on March 8 ruled that Hungary was wrong to fine Janos Fratanolo, former chairman of the Hungarian Workers’ Party 2006, for wearing the red star, a symbol of communism, during a television interview back in 2007.
Hungary argued that the televised appearance gave public exposure to one of the symbols of tyranny, which is illegal according to Hungarian law.
The court ruled, however, that Fratanolo had a right, under the principle of freedom of expression, to wear the star. It said Hungary must pay 4,000 euros to Fratanolo and 2,400 euros in legal fees.
In April, however, Deputy Prime Minister Tibor Navracsics said in his report tabled for adoption by parliament that the Hungarian government disputed the Strasbourg decision.
He said the red star, much like the swastika, the SS-badge, the arrow cross and the hammer and sickle are banned in many countries, including European Union member state Lithuania.
