On January 14th, approximately 10,000
people including members of the Hungarian Association of Journalists protested
in front of the Parliament Budapest objecting the controversial new Media Law.
The demonstration was organized by an independent civilian group on Facebook
called "One million people for freedom of press in Hungary". At the same time,
another protest was also held in Vienna in front of the Hungarian embassy, as a
declaration of solidarity. The protest was non-political and peaceful,
politicians from all sides have been asked to stay away. The protesters
addressed the Hungarian parliament, government and constitutional court with a
proclamation. They request an amendment and constitutional examination of the
media law violating freedom of speech.
The protest was probably the biggest demonstration for
freedom of speech since the fall of the iron curtain, and another media protest
has been announced for 27th of January.
