Roma-Gárda conflict in Cegléd as far-right groups stage spontaneous demo against “Gypsy crime”
Published on Wednesday, 22 August 2012 16:05 Written by HUngary around the Clock
Some 400 people organised by far-right groups gathered in Cegléd, central Hungary on Sunday night after a conflict developed between local Roma and the Új Magyar Gárda.
Some 70-80 police officers cordoned off houses inhabited by Roma.
A “spontaneous demonstration” against “Gypsy crime” was held in Cegléd with Jobbik and Gárda participation last Tuesday.
Far-right websites said Roma attacked “peaceful Gárda members” in the courtyard of a private house, and that is why a “nationwide mobilisation” was ordered and larger groups went to Cegléd on Sunday.
The town’s Fidesz mayor László Földi said Monday that there are “problem people” among the 20 Roma families who live on the outskirts of Cegléd, and the town is doing all it can within legal regulations to enforce order.
Looking to explain Sunday’s events, he recalled that the rumour spread a week ago that he wants to move 40 Roma families to the suburbs.
He said it is also possible that some were annoyed because a park was opened on Sunday aimed at symbolising Hungarian-Roma co-operation.
Three Jobbik MPs were among the demonstrators, who came to Cegléd from all parts of the country, Földi noted.
Ten Roma groups condemned the situation in the town in a joint statement.
Jobbik complained in a Monday statement that “attempts were made in several distorted reports to tarnish patriots who lined up to protect the Hungarian population, which is exposed to crime.”
Pest County police announced that a considerable police presence will remain in Cegléd to ensure law and order.
LMP expects an answer from Interior Minister Sándor Pintér as to how long he intends to “look on helplessly as self-appointed paramilitary groups hold intimidating demonstrations in the provinces,” spokeswoman Katalin Csiba said.
LMP also expects Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Roma authority leader Flórián Farkas to speak up, Népszava reports.
Credit: Politics.hu