Updated: The Hungarian Guard will carry on! - with Gabor Vona interview

The Budapest Court yesterday ruled to dissolve the Hungarian Guard Cultural Association. During the 2 day hearing on the 15th and 16th December in Budapest, Judge Arpad Pataki reviewed the long going case started last year.

The prosecution side argued that The Hungarian Guard Association violated constitutional rights during their event last year at Tatarszentgyorgy when the Guard tried to bring attention to the widespread Roma criminality. The Hungarian Guard Association defended their case led by Civil Right lawyer Dr Tamas Gaudi-Nagy pointing out that the Hungarian Guard Association and the Hungarian Guard Movement are separate civil groups and no unlawful activities were noted during any of their events.

The Hungarian Guard Association is a civil cultural and traditionalist group founded by 10 members in 2007 led by Gabor Vona. Former defense minister Lajos Fur was amongst the founding members. The Hungarian Guard Movement was established by the Association and currently has more than 1500 members. Members are not armed, and are trained in morals, anti-corruption, civic duties and protection of civil society.

Maria Wittner 1956 freedom fighter and veteran has publicly defended the Guard since its foundation. While the Hungarian Guard Association may be facing trouble at this time, the Movement is intact and carry on as normal.

Dr Tamas Gaudi-Nagy, civil rights lawyer representing the Hungarian Guard Association stated that they will appeal against the verdict made by Judge Arpad Pataki.

Gabor Vona, Chairman of the Hungarian Guard Association gave the following interview to barikad.hu yesterday:

- The Budapest Court ruled to dissolve the Hungarian Guard Association tonight. Was it a surprise?

Based on my initial presumption no, it was not a surprise, as there has been an enormous, unbearable pressure on the Court from Hungary and from abroad. But based on today's hearing I have to say I am shocked. The Judge seemed to correctly lead the hearing and there was a complete lack of evidence and explanation submitted by the Prosecution side.  The verdict delivered by the Judge after all -if I can say that- was even poorer than the Prosecution side's argument.

- What was the reason given by the Court?

I haven't got the written copy yet but the verdict seemed to be the legal translation of the left-liberal media and the politicians condemnation against the Guard. Condemnation against the phrase "Roma criminality", violation of constitutional rights and against the Guard's uniform that can be "feared by" some. I am not a lawyer but it seemed to be very opinion based.
It particularly shocked me that there was no legal reference made by the Judge just hear'n'say opinions. It was also interesting to hear that the Judge mentioned the condemnation of political parties and the President. Since when political opinions should influence the Court?

- How do you interpret the decision to dissolve the Hungarian Guard Association?

This is another blow by the Court to the already shaken and weak Hungarian democracy. The consequences of this will have to be taken by them and their proprietors. The only thing saddened me was that the only -failed - evidence submitted by the Prosecution originated from former Guard captain Istvan Dosa who therefore willingly or unwillingly assisted the Gyurcsany government.

- The verdict is not final. Are you going to appeal?

Certainly. I wouldn't be stopped by a mosquito-bite. I discussed the options with Dr Tamas Gaudi-Nagy after the verdict who stated that will definitely should go ahead and appeal. Tamas was fantastic during the hearing, I spoke to some observer during the break who simply changed their minds and stood by the Guard after his arguments.

- So you will fight for the Association....

Yes. It is important to state that we are not only together on some legal paper, we have dreamed and created the Hungarian Guard and looked after it. Either way we will continue, even under a different association or civil group, we will serve our nation.

- So what about the real Guard?

This is the main point. The Hungarian Guard Movement is not affected by the verdict, even the Judge confirmed this. The verdict is about the Association. Indirectly the court confirmed that the Guard will carry on and I can also confirm this. The Guard serve the nation and the Holy Crown of Hungary. I keep getting phone calls and text messages: "I've just heard the news. Where do I sign up?".
I expect a mass wave of applicants into the Guard that I certainly support and encourage. Today, the Guard has become the symbol of the Hungarian case. I believe that any attack against the Guard - as in the past - will do us a favor. I say it to all the members of the Guard and every supporting Hungarian people: the government's attack have strengthened our heart. I am grateful to God that I may belong to such a great community.

Updated 19 December 2008:

Just a day after the controversial, politically fuelled -not legally binding- verdict of the dissolvement of the Hungarian Guard Association, news emerged tonight from patriotic Hungarian websites kuruc.info and barikad.hu that the Guard is about to hold an "Advent" event this Sunday, the 21st December 2008.

The event will take place near to Heroes Square in Budapest led by Robert Kiss, National Captain of the Hungarian Guard with guest speakers Lorant Hegedus reformed priest and Csanad Szegedi, vice-president of Jobbik, The Movement For A Better Hungary.

No unlawful events have ever been noted at any of the Hungarian Guard events, organisers emphasised. Due to the probable extensive media coverage, provocation against and intimidation of the unarmed Guard might occur this Sunday, organisers also warned.