The anti Hungarian incident that occurred at the Carei Christmas fair was brought before Parliament on Tuesday, after a vendor was repeatedly spat on and insulted because of his Hungarian identity. According to reports, a man attacked a kürtőskalács vendor who had spoken Hungarian, shouting abusive slurs and spitting on him multiple times. Video recordings and witness statements clearly indicate that the act was motivated by anti Hungarian hatred, yet the perpetrator received only a minor fine of a few hundred lei, as the authorities classified the incident merely as a disturbance of public order rather than an act of incitement against a community.
During the parliamentary intervention, MP Szabolcs Nagy emphasized that the attack “trampled on a man’s dignity,” pointing out that the hate propaganda spread by extremist political actors directly contributes to the rise of such incidents. MP Lóránd Magyar described the events as a “nightmare,” highlighting that Carei had previously been regarded as a positive example of peaceful coexistence. County Council President Csaba Pataki likewise condemned the incident, stressing that human dignity and mutual respect between communities are fundamental values that must be upheld at all times.
Us, at the Mikó Imre Minority Rights Legal Service, we think the case once again demonstrates that the identification and proper legal classification of hate crimes remain inadequate, and that the sanctions imposed lack any real deterrent effect. The symbolic nature of the fine also shows that the state does not take interethnic incitement and violence seriously. Members of the Hungarian community continue to face vulnerability in public spaces where xenophobic manifestations occur, making it essential for authorities to act more consistently, apply the legal framework correctly, and strengthen measures that ensure community safety.
Our Service will continue to use every legal tool at its disposal to protect the rights and dignity of the Hungarian community, and reiterates that peaceful coexistence is grounded in mutual respect and in the appreciation of each community’s identity and symbols.
Photo: Nagy Szabolcs facebook page