Roma Clash with Far-Right Extremists in Hungary

World | April 27, 2011, Wednesday // 16:53
Bulgaria: Roma Clash with Far-Right Extremists in Hungary Temporary commander of the Hungarian far right paramilitary group Vedero ("Defence Force") Tamas Eszes (L) near the Roma or Gypsy neighbourhood of Gyongyospata some 80 km northeast of Budapest, 22 April 2011.

Ethnic tensions are escalating in Hungary as far-right extremists have clashed with Roma in Gyongyospata, a village in the northeastern part of the country.

Five people have been wounded in the clashes, the Hungarian news agency MTI announced citing police sources. Several men have been arrested.

Hungarian media report cited by the BBC that fighting erupted after Vedero ("Defensive Strength") uniformed paramilitaries hurled stones at a Roma house.

Far right groups have staged "public order" patrols in Roma areas recently. The groups allege that such patrols are necessary to crack down on crime.

Police reinforcements have gone to Gyongyospata since the clash on Tuesday night, the Magyar Hirlap news website says.

Last week Hungary's government accused political opponents of staging an unnecessary "evacuation" of Roma families from the village, 81 km from Budapest.

A total of 277 Roma were taken from the village by bus by the Hungarian Red Cross last Friday. They have now returned to their homes. Media reports described it as an evacuation of Roma women and children frightened by Vedero's activities. But a Red Cross spokesman denied any connection, saying it was a pre-planned holiday.

Vedero announced it would set up a paramilitary training camp in the Roma part of Gyongyospata, which has about 2 800 inhabitants in total. However, the police prevented Vedero from doing so.

The government has passed new legislation aimed at preventing paramilitary or other uniformed groups from acting like self-appointed police.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!

World » Be a reporter: Write and send your article
Tags: Hungary, Vedero, far-right, far right, Roma, Gyongyospata

Advertisement
Advertisement
Bulgaria news Novinite.com (Sofia News Agency - www.sofianewsagency.com) is unique with being a real time news provider in English that informs its readers about the latest Bulgarian news. The editorial staff also publishes a daily online newspaper "Sofia Morning News." Novinite.com (Sofia News Agency - www.sofianewsagency.com) and Sofia Morning News publish the latest economic, political and cultural news that take place in Bulgaria. Foreign media analysis on Bulgaria and World News in Brief are also part of the web site and the online newspaper. News Bulgaria