Hungarian police recently removed a protester from the entrance of the Parliament building in Budapest. This incident occurred on April 14, a day when lawmakers were set to approve constitutional changes that would further restrict rights for certain groups. This move is part of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s ongoing campaign against domestic opposition, which he has referred to as his "Easter cleanup."
The protest highlights the growing concerns over democracy in Hungary. David Koranyi, who runs an organization called Action for Democracy, shared his experience of returning to Hungary for his mother’s 70th birthday. Instead of flying directly, he took a longer route through Austria to avoid detection. The current political climate in Hungary has made him feel unsafe, leading to fears of potential detention by the government.
Koranyi’s organization aims to mobilize Hungarians living abroad to vote in their home country. However, the Hungarian government has labeled him a threat to national sovereignty and has accused him of being an "enemy of the state." This reflects a broader trend where the Orbán government has been tightening its grip on power and silencing dissent.
In the U.S., similar fears are emerging among immigrants who have fled authoritarian regimes. Amir Makled, a Michigan-based attorney, was detained by federal agents upon returning from a family vacation. He believes he was targeted because of his legal work with pro-Palestinian activists. This incident has raised alarms about the treatment of individuals by U.S. authorities, echoing the experiences many had in their home countries.
Koranyi and others have expressed concern over the atmosphere of fear that seems to be growing in the U.S. as well. They see parallels between the tactics used by the Trump administration and those of authoritarian governments. Many immigrants from countries like Hungary and Turkey are now feeling anxious about their safety and freedom in America.
The situation in Hungary serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by democracies around the world. As political landscapes shift, the need for vigilance in protecting rights and freedoms becomes increasingly critical.