Objecting to the anti-Hungarian march of Ukrainian nationalists

The far-right Carpathian Sich movement marched in Uzhhorod last Saturday in an act similar to an incident last year. The far-right organization marched to mark the 78^th anniversary  (March 14, 1939) of the declaration of Carpathian Ukraine that existed for one and a half days. The movement has been ‘celebrating’ this anniversary with intimidating torchlight processions since 2011.

The torchlight parade of 150 largely young marchers processed through Uzhhorod clad in black with faces covered and waving Ukrainian nationalist flags while singing nationalistic slogans. On the streets of the city, they chanted, “Stranger, you should keep in mind, Ukrainian land is what you find!” and repeated their slogan, “Europe of nations, we say no to the European Union!”. Speaking to the media, Tarasz Deak, leader of Carpathian Sich, confirmed that the aim of the torchlight parade was to reject the European Union and to ‘ukrainianize’ the Hungarian minority.

Regarding the incident, Fidesz MEP Andrea Bocskor said: “It is outrageous that once again nationalist organizations march through a city that has Hungarian population as well. Their slogans offend the non-Ukrainians living in the county. On the other hand, it is alarming, that a pro-EU country permits the rise of chauvinistic organizations and their uncontrolled actions while law enforcement bodies repeatedly turn a blind eye. Following last year’s events, I called the issue to the attention of the European Commission and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. They responded that they will look into it. It seems that a crowd of hundreds with open threats does not alarm the EU. That is a pity because we are witnessing the violation of the rights and dignity of a whole community”.