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"Free Palestine, F*ck Viktor Orban" - Kneecap slams Hungarian PM for entry ban
Irish hip-hop group Kneecap accused Hungary’s far-right prime minister, Viktor Orbán, of political censorship after being banned from the country for three years. The group, known for their support of Palestine, had been scheduled to perform at the Sziget festival in August. Hungary’s government spokesperson, Zoltán Kovács, claimed the decision was based on allegations that the band “repeatedly engage in antisemitic hate speech supporting terrorism and terrorist groups,” adding that their planned performance “posed a national security threat.”
In a statement on X, Kneecap rejected the accusations as “outrageous,” saying no member had ever been convicted of any crime and that they stood against all hate crimes. “It’s clear this is a political distraction and a further attempt to silence those who call out genocide against the Palestinian people,” they said, pointing to Orbán’s recent warm welcome of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The group has faced other cancellations in recent months and has been investigated, though police last week confirmed they would take no further action following a review of their Glastonbury set.
Former US Ambassador says Americans should follow the example of Budapest Pride
Former US ambassador David Pressman has criticised Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government in an op-ed for the New York Times. Pressman wrote that Hungary was undermining democratic values and posed a challenge to its transatlantic partners. He says he sees similarities between Orbán’s dismantling of democracy and Donald Trump's policies, noting similarities not only in their actions but also in how people and power elites fail to react.
Pressman recalled that after meeting Hungarian judges, they became targets of months-long government propaganda campaigns, while other judges stayed silent. Entrepreneurs did not protest when Orbán’s childhood friend Lőrinc Mészáros tightened control over public procurement, nor did multinationals speak up when a retail chain was targeted. Although there have been public protests against government measures, Pressman noted, those in positions of power have remained silent.
The lesson from Hungary is that you have to stand up for democracy when it is at stake," Pressman writes. The lawsuits against the Trump administration are no longer enough, he added. Much more decisive action by the elites is needed. The former ambassador cites Budapest Pride as an example, where tens of thousands of people turned out despite a government ban, while powerful Hungarians and big business stayed away.
Oradea follows Hungary in banning Pride.
The Oradea council has banned Pride Oradea, scheduled for 26 July, Bihon reports. The municipality says there will be other events on each of the 11 routes proposed by the organisers, so they cannot allow the parade. No alternative route has been suggested.
According to Ark Oradea, the organiser of Pride, this is "a blatant violation by the local administration of fundamental constitutionally protected rights such as freedom of expression and assembly". The organisers have decided to hold the march and have informed the authorities. The organisers are suing the town hall for violating their fundamental rights.
Orbán heads to Romania early to meet Ilie Bolojan in Romania
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan held talks at a working dinner at the Victoria Palace in Bucharest, Szekelyhon reports. On Saturday, the Hungarian prime minister will deliver his usual speech at the 34th Bálványos Summer Free University in Tusnádfürdő.
The festival has just started today with a speech by Zsolt Németh. The Fidesz politician said "we are not anti-Ukrainian," "we are not pro-Russian," and "we are not extremists".
Budapest mayor summoned as suspect over Pride
The mayor of Budapest, Gergely Karácsony says he had become a “suspect” in a police investigation targeting the organizers of a Pride march that turned into an anti-government protest last month. Tens of thousands marched through Hungary’s capital as the event grew into one of the largest demonstrations against Orbán in years.
“I have become a suspect, and if in this country this is the price we have to pay for standing up for our own and others’ freedom, then I am even proud of it,” Mayor Karácsony wrote on Facebook.
Orbán’s government has restricted LGBTQ rights over the past decade and passed a law in March that effectively bans Pride marches under the pretext of "child protection". Karácsony organized Pride as a municipal event, but police banned it, saying it fell under the child protection law. Orbán had warned of “legal consequences” for organizing and attending the march, though police said they would not investigate participants. 444.hu reported that there is an ongoing investigation against an unknown perpetrator.