Oppose Hungarian Efforts to Curb Freedom of Speech, Judicial Independence and Minority Rights

Target: Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban

Goal: Reverse recent attempts in Hungary to curb freedom of speech, judicial independence and minority rights.

Hungary transitioned from communism to democracy 23 years ago, and many people had high hopes for the country to become very free for its citizens. However, a new constitution, which took effect on January 1st 2012, is drawing criticism from the international community as well as Hungary’s own citizens.

At least 30,000 people took to the streets at the beginning of January due to what they see as threats in the new constitution, including a new judicial law that restricts the high court’s authority over constitutional issues. There is also a media law that would impose high fines on journalists, and some people consider this a form of censorship. In addition, this new constitution failed to extend legal protections to ethnic minorities, such as the Slovaks and the Roma. However, this is hardly anything new in Hungary: Prime Minister Viktor Orban has been reducing the power of independent institutions and asserting his influence in them since his election in 2010.

The new constitution is also unpopular with the European Union, which is upset with the government’s taxes on eurozone banks, and some Western countries argue that the new constitution undercuts fundamental democratic principles. Some analysts say that Hungary is in danger of losing its European Union membership if it continues on this path. Sign this petition to tell Viktor Orban that the new constitution is not beneficial to Hungary and must be rejected.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Viktor Orban,

The United States and other Western allies are correct in their concern over your new constitution. The constitution reduces the power of the courts as well as implementing measures that are dangerously close to censorship, and these new laws undercut the level of democracy and liberty in Hungary. In addition, it is frustrating that the Hungarian government continues to undermine legal protection for ethnic minorities.

We are writing to urge you to reconsider your position on this new constitution, and to urge your colleagues to do the same. We hope that you will help Hungary on its continued path to democracy.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]