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On July 9, the radical Hungarian nationalist party Jobbik lost its appeal to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg, contesting the decision to dissolve the Hungarian Guard, a paramilitary organisation launched on the party’s initiative. Hungarian authorities had decided to disband the Guard in 2009, explains Népszava. The ECHR took the view that the ban on the militia did not constitute a violation of the right to free association and assembly.
Founded by Jobbik in 2007, the Hungarian Guard took advantage of the economic crisis and a high rate of unemployment to recruit several thousand members. It has notably been accused of aggravating ethnic tensions between Hungarians and Roma. However, the organisation will continue to function as a cultural association.
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