Hungary’s constitutional changes fuel new tensions

Thousands of Hungarians protested in central Budapest on the 9 March 2013 against imminent changes to the country's constitution which they fear would curb democratic rights, echoing worries this week from the European Union and the United States.

The European institution responsible for defending human rights, the Council of Europe, urged Budapest to postpone the vote, fearing for Hungary's democratic checks and balances.

The government rejected that request, and Justice Minister Tibor Navracsics sent a detailed explanation of the laws to the Council defending the changes and offering further discussions.

The U.S. State Department and human rights organizations also expressed concern.

• Primary Source

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EUObserver, 11.03.13: Hungary law reform sparks protest, criticism http://euobserver.com/justice/119355

ESO: Background information: Right to fair trial at risk in Hungary, study finds http://www.europeansources.info/record/right-to-fair-trial-at-risk-in-hungary-study-finds/

ESO: Background Information: Statement from the President of the European Commission and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe on the vote by the Hungarian Parliament of the Fourth amendment to the Hungarian Fundamental Law http://www.europeansources.info/record/memo-statement-from-the-president-of-the-european-commission-and-the-secretary-general-of-the-council-of-europe-on-the-vote-by-the-hungarian-parliament-of-the-fourth-amendment-to-the-hungarian-fundam/

Der Spiegel, 11.03.13: Constitutional Reforms: Hungary Steps Away from European Democracy http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/hungary-constitutional-reforms-signal-drift-away-from-democracy-a-888064.html

EUObserver, 13.03.13: Hungary restricts campaign freedoms ahead of EU elections http://euobserver.com/justice/119386

EurActiv, 13.03.13: Brussels struggles to bring Hungary back into line http://www.euractiv.com/future-eu/commission-struggles-bring-hunga-news-518459

Der Spiegel, 12.03.13: World from Berlin: 'Half-Hearted European Reactions' Have Failed Hungary http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/european-leaders-call-for-probe-of-constitutional-amendment-in-hungary-a-888391.html

EurActiv, 15.03.13: Cornered Orbán bares teeth at German criticism http://www.euractiv.com/future-eu/cornered-orban-bares-teeth-germa-news-518534

EUObserver: 15.03.13: Hungary PM dismisses law reform criticism http://euobserver.com/justice/119431

Der Spiegel: 18.03.13: Harsh Criticism for Orbán: 'Take Away Hungary's European Council Vote' http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/istvan-hegedues-europe-must-react-to-orban-power-grab-in-hungary-a-889465.html

Deutsche Welle, 19.03.13: Hungary's 'Together' opposition braves the cold http://dw.de/p/17zaX

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