The court also ruled that the perpetrator must spend a minimum of two thirds of his term in prison, and that he would be banned from the country. In July, nine Syrians and one Iraqi national involved in the riots were sentenced to 1-3 years imprisonment.

The ruling Fidesz party welcomed the court’s decision. In a statement, Fidesz said the Hungarian government had been vindicated in its decision to seal Hungary’s border, arguing that Europe was under a constant threat of terrorism.

“Terrorism must not be allowed to spread in Europe and make its way into Hungary,” Fidesz said.

“We must therefore do everything we can to protect our country from the settlement of migrants,” the statement added.

Republished with permission of Hungary Matters, MTI’s daily newsletter.

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