Controversial Hungarian extreme-right guard swears in more members

Oct 21, 2007, 16:29 GMT

Budapest - A controversial Hungarian extreme-right guard, condemned by Jewish organizations and the Hungarian government, swore in more than 500 new members in Budapest Sunday.

The creation of the Magyar Garda (Hungarian Guard) by the extreme- right party Jobbik has raised fears among the Jewish community both in Hungary and internationally.

The new members, including the first female representatives, took their oaths in front of a crowd of over 1,000 people on Heroes' Square, which features massive statues of Hungary's kings.

The organization, created by extreme-right party Jobbik, swore in its first 56 members in August.

Mazsihisz (The Federation of Hungarian Jewish Communities) has condemned the group for wearing uniforms similar to those worn by the fascists in the 1940s.

The guard has chosen as its coat of arms a variation on the red- and-white Arpad Stripes, a medieval flag that became associated with Hungary's Nazi-aligned Arrow Cross party in power for a brief period during World War II.

While the guard claims to be primarily a cultural defence organization, it has run into trouble with the Chief Prosecutor's Office for announcing activities that were not part of its registration.

The group has said it wants to take part in defending Hungarian culture, defending the nation in times of conflict and helping with disasters.

While Jobbik has no parliamentary representation, main right-of- centre opposition party Fidesz fought seats in many constituencies with Jobbik's support in 2006 general elections

Jobbik members last year took part in anti-government riots that followed the leak of a tape on which Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany admitted he had lied about the economy.

The ceremony came two days before the 51st anniversary of Hungary's 1956 Uprising against Soviet rule.

The event was blighted by the anti-government rioting last year, and many fear that right-wing groups are planning to cause more trouble this year.

The main opposition party Fidesz held a major rally on October 23 last year. The event was plunged into chaos as violent protestors mixed with those attending the rally.

The right-of-centre party accused police of heavy-handed tactics during last year's trouble and police have this year said they will act carefully but with determination against any potential troublemakers.

Fidesz is holding another rally at the same location this year. Tens of thousands are expected to attend.