Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has announced plans to classify antifa as a terrorist organization, aligning the country with a similar policy recently unveiled in the United States. Antifa short for “anti-fascist” is a loose network of far-left activists and groups that oppose fascism, neo-Nazism, and other extremist movements, often through street demonstrations. While more an ideology than a formal organization, some adherents have adopted militant tactics.
Speaking on national radio, Orbán expressed satisfaction with the U.S. decision, declaring that “the time has come” for Hungary to adopt the same approach. He described antifa as a terrorist entity and said the move would follow the American model.
The announcement comes despite the limited presence of antifascist activism in Hungary, where Orbán’s government has maintained a dominant grip on power for over 15 years. However, the prime minister cited a violent episode in 2023, when antifascist activists allegedly attacked participants in an annual far-right gathering in Budapest.
That incident drew international attention after Italian activist Ilaria Salis was arrested and held in Hungarian custody for more than a year. Her detention sparked a diplomatic dispute between Hungary and Italy over her treatment. Salis was later placed under house arrest and, in 2024, won a seat in the European Parliament, granting her legal immunity.
Hungarian authorities continue to seek her return to face trial, with prosecutors pursuing an 11-year prison sentence. The government has not yet detailed how or when the new terrorist designation for antifa will be implemented.
+ There are no comments
Add yours