Hungary’s president pardons right-wing terrorists

“The week of the Pope’s visit offers the head of state a special opportunity to exercise his right to amnesty,” the president’s office in Budapest said Thursday evening.

Law-terrorist György Budahazy, who was sentenced to six years in prison by an appeals court in Budapest in March this year, and nine other members of his far-right group Hunnia, were affected by the amnesty. Between 2007 and 2009, the gang carried out numerous fire and bomb attacks on the homes of left-wing and liberal politicians, plotted an assassination attempt, and severely beat and injured a television producer.

The court proceedings dragged on for more than ten years. Budahazy is considered an iconic figure of the extreme right, but also enjoys sympathy among supporters of the ruling Fidesz party, where Novak hails from. According to the amnesty decision, he could leave the Vac prison north of Budapest on Friday evening.

He had a horse brought to shout “Freedom!” to drive away screaming, Hungarian media reported. In addition, Budahazy announced that he would attend Pope Francis’ mass in Budapest on Sunday to offer a prayer of thanks for the pope, he told the Blikk tabloid.

The Catholic leader began a three-day visit to the Hungarian capital on Friday. The highlight is a mass he will celebrate on Sunday morning in the square in front of the Parliament. (oee/sda/dpa)