In just two weeks, the National Gypsy Government (Országos Cigány
Önkormányzat, OCÖ) has collected tens of thousands of signatures to support an
amendment to the law that would ban the Hungarian Guard and similar paramilitary
organizations, stop.hu wrote on February 22, based on a report by state news
agency MTI.
The signature gathering initiative is not about conflicts between Roma and
Hungarians but about democracy and those who question it.
OCÖ Chairman Orbán Kolompár said that although they are not campaigning for
signatures, several minority organizations, along with people of Roma and
non-Roma origin have joined their cause. At least 50,000 signatures need to be
collected for a request for the amendment to be accepted.
Kolompár added that the signature gathering initiative is not about conflicts
between Roma and Hungarians but about democracy and those who question it. He
added, without mentioning names, that several politicians from both political
sides a number of political public figures support the initiative and provided
signatures. The OCÖ will submit them to Parliament before the March 9
referendum.
"With at least 50,000 signatures from Roma and non-Roma people, we will prove
that solidarity and cooperation can help us create social peace," he said.
The OCÖ would like to not only disband the Hungarian Guard but also to prevent
any future paramilitary groups inciting fear from be formed in Hungary. Kolompár
said that one thing they have already achieved is bringing political attention
to the fact that some individuals and organizations are trying to gain political
power at the expense of Roma.
The first hearing on the potential disbanding of the Hungarian Guard will be
held at the Budapest Court on April 14. Kolompár said his organization awaits
the trial with much interest.
vybrali.sme.sk
