Fraternity-Testvériség, 2006 (84. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
2006-07-01 / 3. szám
HRFA 1956 Commemoration continued: The HRFA 1956 Revolution commemoration included a solemn invocation, moving folk songs sung by a young Hungarian American, the recital of the Szózat, and the Nemzeti Dal, a touching story about a communist who saw the light in 1956 and revolted against the communists and who has been persecuted until his death in 2001 in Hungary by the members of the current ruling party, and the sad story of current events in Hungary as seen by HRFA President Balogh in his visit to Budapest a week before this celebration. We urge all Americans, whether left, right or center in political beliefs, to do their best to help Hungary out of the current crisis, and to decry the macabre police brutality as described in the Washington Post and various Hungarian TV and radio announcements (see archives of the HRFA Web site). October 2006 Demonstrations in Budapest Against the Lies and Corruption STATEMENT BY THE AMERICAN HUNGARIAN FEDERATION ABOUT RECENT EVENTS IN HUNGARY October 31, 2006. The American Hungarian Federation was founded in 1906 as an umbrella organization and has over the years supported democracy, human and minority rights and the rule of law in Central and Eastern Europe. Recent developments relating to demonstrations against the government in Hungary deeply concern the Federation. The Federation condemns all acts of lawlessness and intolerance. Reports from various and credible sources indicate that the vast majority of demonstrators on October 23 were peaceful, law-abiding citizens exercising their right to freely speak, assemble and petition their government — fundamental rights that are fully respected in all democracies. These reports, including photographs, further indicate that the police used overwhelming and unjustified force against a crowd of people who were merely attending an officially registered commemorative event. The police did not even attempt to distinguish between that peaceful crowd and the few troublemakers. Allegations also have been made of brutal beatings, including of a Catholic priest and a Member of Parliament, indiscriminate use of tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets aimed above the waist contrary to European practices, use of extendable batons, failure by police to wear identifying badges and police being used as provocateurs. These are serious and disturbing acts that undermine democracy and the rule of law and violate both the laws of Hungary and international Page 5 Fraternity - Testvériség
