Budapest attack on SVM leader condemned

Budapest attack on SVM leader condemned

"A lynch attempt in broad daylight in front of the parliament building in the center of the capital one EU member state is unthinkable and must be punished," Kacin said in a press release. He added the attack staged by Hungarian nationalists was proof that "daily struggle for democracy and open society is necessary."

"Today we witness a practice that stems from the strengthening of far-right parties which we, as Europeans, must prevent," said the Slovenian politician, adding that he was "proud" that Pasztor would, at his invitation, attend the celebration of Europe Day on May 9 in the Dobrovnik municipality in Slovenia, on the border with Hungary.

The incident in Budapest on Tuesday afternoon was also condemned by parties and officials in Serbia and Hungary. The ruling Serb Progressive Party (SNS) said that expressing political views through violence was unacceptable, that they expected immediate response from Hungary's authorities, and were "shocked" to learn about the politically motivated attack.

The League of Vojvodina Social-Democrats (LSV) strongly condemned the attack and said they expected the authorities of Hungary to strongly punish all participants in the incident.

In Hungary, Deputy Prime Minister Zsolt Semjen stated it also represented "an attack on the unity of the Hungarian people." In a statement sent to the agency MTI, Semjen called the perpetrators "irresponsible," adding that their act was "a kick in the face to the entire nation."

The opposition Socialist Party called the incident "an unprecedented and unimaginable provocation." In a statement, Socialist leader Attila Mesterhazi called for the radical nationalist party Jobbik in to apologize to Pasztor and all Hungarians that he represents.

Pasztor confirmed for Tanjug that he was assaulted by members of the right-wing Jobbik party in Budapest, in front of the Hungarian parliament. He explained that they were gathered at the square for a protest.

He said that his assailants called him a traitor, and that about a dozen approached and started insulting and pushing him. "The attack was orchestrated from the scene through a megaphone, and it was said that I am a traitor, whereupon a dozen people started coming towards me and started pushing me, and spitting on me," said Pasztor.

As he explained, he "somehow managed to get out of the crowd," and pointed out that what he found most disappointed was the fact "no one came to his aid."