Reuters AlertNet Lite - Hungary cites terror threat to keep parliament barrier

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Hungary cites terror threat to keep parliament barrier

07 Feb 2007 17:23:34 GMT
Source: Reuters

BUDAPEST, Feb 7 (Reuters) - Hungary's government said on Wednesday it had received credible bomb threats against parliament and threats against MPs which meant it had to keep a controversial barrier around the country's legislature.

The barricade was erected on Oct. 23 last year to prevent demonstrators camped outside parliament from disrupting celebrations of the 50th anniversary of Hungary's anti-Soviet uprising following almost two months of street protests.

It has remained there since then despite the fact that protests have diminished dramatically in size and frequency. The opposition right of centre Fidesz party has questioned its legality and attempted to remove it on Friday. "Threats affecting the building of parliament, public bodies working in parliament and their leaders have multiplied," the Socialist government said in a statement after a meeting of the national security council.

It said there was evidence that what it termed "extremists" were obtaining items including gas spray and batons and recruiting skinheads and soccer hooligans to prepare for renewed anti-government protests.

There have been threats of new protests to coincide with the March 15 national day.

Wednesday was the first time the government has cited direct evidence of threats against MPs since anti-government protests started on Sept. 17 after a leaked tape in which Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany admitted to lying to win April's election.

A government-appointed commission on Tuesday said police failure to control initial violent protests had contributed to the months of demonstrations in which it said 800 people were injured. It also blamed Fidesz for inciting the violence.

Fidesz said in a statement on Wednesday the report was politically biased.

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Last updated:Wed Feb 7 17:25:47 2007