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Restrictions on Civil Society in Hungary

Since returning to power in 2010, Viktor Orban has systematically dismantled a system of checks and balances, facilitating the consolidation of control by the Fidesz government, which is now in its fourth (third consecutive) term. This has included introducing significant changes to the legal framework for parliamentary elections; stripping hundreds of faiths of their state recognition in 2011 and then channeling money to religious groups that do not challenge government positions (increasing dependence of those groups on the state); overseeing the consolidation of most Hungarian media, first into the hands of government-tied oligarchy and then into a single foundation exempt from anti-trust regulation; and eroding judicial independence by, for example, expanding and packing the constitutional court.

In light of restrictions imposed on political opposition, faith organizations, the media and the judiciary, the role of Hungarian civil society in holding the government to account (by, for example, suing the government for non-compliance with the Hungarian constitution or Hungary’s international legal commitments) has taken on heightened importance. At the same time, civil society organizations have become the targets of escalating rhetorical attacks and legislative restrictions, including laws that significantly lower the bar for what it takes to jail people who seek to exercise their freedoms of speech, assembly, and association.

Download the full report to learn more.

Contributors: Erika Schlager, Counsel for International Law
and Daniela Ondraskova, Max Kampelman Fellow

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Hearings

Silenced Dissent: The Plight of Political Prisoners ...

Jun 13, 2024

WASHINGTON—Across the globe, individuals continue to be targeted, arrested, and imprisoned for peacefully exercising their rights to freedom of speech, assembly, and association. Persecution on political grounds represents a fundamental […]

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Articles

Helsinki Commission Advances Human Rights, Demands f...

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Hearings

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Hearings

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Press Releases

Helsinki Commission Leadership Celebrate Pardon of N...

Jun 23, 2023

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Press Releases

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Apr 28, 2023

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Press Releases

Helsinki Commission Leadership Statement on Georgian...

Mar 06, 2023

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Press Releases

Helsinki Commission Chair and Co-Chair: Statement on...

Feb 20, 2023

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Press Releases

Congressmen Cohen and Wilson Introduce Resolution Re...

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Statements

Congressmen Cohen and Wilson Introduce Resolution Re...

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Press Releases

Co-Chairman Cohen Discusses Role as Special Represen...

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Press Releases

Co-Chairman Cohen Deplores Arrest of Former Yekateri...

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