MPs approve changes to public order law

MPs approve changes to public order law; aim to contain political unrest

Hungary's parliament has approved changes to the law on public order, tightening punitive measures for vandalism and hooliganism, an MP for Hungary's governing Socialist party told the press on Tuesday.

Under the new law, throwing food at a person is classified as an act of violence, even if it causes no injury.

Under another provision, disrupting the service of a public transport vehicle or any other public service or authority action will be considered an offence.

Parliament voted on the changes on Monday, with 210 MPs in favour, 162 against and 6 abstentions.

The changes are in reaction to a succession of public order offences and street violence over the past couple of years. Some of the violence surrounded anti-government protests while other incidents were in connection with anti-gay demonstrations involving football hooligans and people associated Hungary's radical elements.

http://www.politics.hu/20081111/mps-approve-changes-to-public-order-law-aim-to-contain-political-unrest