On Monday in parliament, Prime Minister Orbán made once again his zero-tolerance position clear:

“I categorically condemn all such behavior,” he said, responding to a question from a Socialist MP in connection with the motorcyclist’s planned event. Actions such as this, said the prime minister, that deliberately seek to offend the dignity and history of certain ethnic groups are deeply hurtful and contrary to the spirit of the constitution. The March of Life, he added, is about the victory of life and people of good will should treat it with respect, especially before a community that has endured such suffering.

Prime Minister Orbán asked Minister of Interior Sándor Pintér to prevent an event like this from violating the dignity of the marchers on the day of the March of the Living. Minister Pintér in turn said that the police will use all legal means possible to do so, especially given the event’s provocative slogan and its timing and location.

Hungary’s Fundamental Law protects the dignity of all minorities in Hungary. “The right of freedom of speech,” according to the fourth amendment to the constitution, “may not be exercised with the aim of violating the dignity of the Hungarian nation or of any national, ethnic, racial or religious community.”

The bikers’ event was condemned by Fidesz parliamentary group leader, Antal Rogán, as “extraordinarily tasteless” and a “deliberate provocation.” The event’s tasteless theme is taken from a similarly hurtful campaign slogan of the German extreme right.

The government cannot ban a demonstration, not even the minister of interior or the prime minister. But the police can revoke or limit the permit that would allow the demonstration, especially if there are concerns that the right of protest is violated. Often in cases like this, such a decision is based on the public safety part of law.

Source: A Blog About Hungary by Ferenc Kumin