Strasbourg Court Rules Hungary Parlt Violates MEP’s Rights
- 9 Nov 2016 8:00 AM
The Socialist MEP claims that he made the gesture in response to racist comments made by Jobbik MPs during his speech.
Szanyi approached the ECtHR on this issue saying that the penalty violated his rights to freedom of expression, and also because Parliamentary Speaker László Kövér had rejected his plan to speak up over the issue in the next few days, arguing that Szanyi’s statements would harm parliament’s authority and would have given reason enough for a disciplinary procedure.
The ECtHR ruled that if Szanyi has paid his fine, he is to receive 450 euros plus 2,650 euros as compensation for his expenses.
Szanyi’s penalty was the harshest possible retribution against MPs using “outstandingly offensive language” according to Hungarian parliamentary law. Szanyi’s fine has created a precedent since the introduction of the law on Jan. 1, 2013.
Republished with permission of Hungary Matters, MTI’s daily newsletter.
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