Mass Protests in Hungary Over Proposed ‘Media Suppression Bill’
- davidgooo8
- 5월 27일
- 2분 분량
Hungary’s ruling Fidesz party has introduced a bill aimed at restricting the activities of independent media outlets and NGOs that receive foreign funding. The proposed legislation would impose heavy fines on these organizations, ban them from receiving donations, and potentially prohibit their operations altogether. While the government has named the bill the “Law on the Transparency of Public Life,” critics argue it is effectively a crackdown on progressive, independent media and civil society groups.
🪧 Mass Protest in Budapest
On May 18, thousands of protesters gathered in front of the Hungarian Parliament in Budapest to oppose the bill. Demonstrators waved EU flags marked with the word “HELP,” expressing strong resistance to what they see as government repression of the media and civic organizations. Opposition parties and civil society warn that the bill could effectively criminalize the operations of independent media and NGOs.
🇪🇺 Backlash from the EU and International Press
More than 20 Members of the European Parliament have signed a letter urging the EU to suspend all financial aid to Hungary. Additionally, over 90 prominent European journalists and media organizations from 23 countries issued a joint statement condemning the bill as an attack on press freedom and calling for a strong EU response.
🔍 International Concern and Orbán’s Political Direction
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a conservative politician known for his pro-Russia and anti-EU stance, has implemented policies to limit press and civil liberties since returning to power in 2010. Critics say the current bill resembles Russian President Vladimir Putin’s methods of media control. Nick Aiossa, Director at Transparency International, stated, “The EU cannot stand by while Hungary targets civil society and dismantles democracy.”
This situation is amplifying international concern over the state of democracy and press freedom in Hungary, with increasing attention on how the EU will respond.
댓글