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Rally against anti-Semitism in Budapest (archives)
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Hungary bans far-right protest ahead of WJC

As World Jewish Congress nears, Hungarian PM bans 'anti-Zionist' rally, amid fears of rising anti-Semitism

Hungary has banned a far-right rally planned for the day before an international conference of Jewish leaders opens in the capital, it said on Tuesday.

 

Prime Minister Viktor Orban has instructed police to prevent any disturbance around the World Jewish Congress, which begins on Sunday and is expected to express concern over rising anti-Semitism across Europe.

 

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Far-right campaigners had planned to stage a rally against Bolshevism and Zionism in Budapest on Saturday, the evening before the start of the meeting of the World Jewish Congress, which represents Jewish communities around the world.

 

"The captain of Budapest city police has banned an anti-Bolshevik and anti-Zionist demonstration organized in parallel with the opening of the World Jewish Congress," the government said in a statement.

Orban will address the congress on Sunday, where he will send a clear message against anti-Semitism, an aide said.

 

The government has also expressed sympathy to Ferenc Orosz, the head of a Hungarian anti-racism group who was attacked by far-right soccer fans after he confronted people chanting Nazi slogans at a match on Sunday.

 

"Minister of Interior Sandor Pinter has assured the members of the government that he will take all possible actions to apprehend the perpetrators so they may feel the full weight of justice," the government statement said.

 

Jewish and rights groups say anti-Semitism remains a significant problem in the central European country – a leader of its far-right Jobbik party called for lists of prominent Jews to be drawn up to protect national security in November.

 

 

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פרסום ראשון: 04.30.13, 19:06
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