THE AXE EFFECT: THOUSANDS PROTEST IN FRONT OF HUNGARIAN PARLIAMENT
by Khatchig Mouradian
September 4, 2012
Dozens of Demonstrations planned worldwide
BUDAPEST, Hungary (A.W.)-Thousands of Hungarians gathered in front
of the parliament building in Budapest, expressing outrage at their
government’s decision to extradite axe-murderer Safarov to his home
country Azerbaijan, where he received a hero’s welcome, was pardoned,
and promoted.
“The honor of Hungarians is not for sale” read one banner. Another,
in Hungarian, read “This is not our shame!”
In 2004, Safarov murdered Gurgen Margaryan, an Armenian lieutenant,
with an axe, while the latter was asleep. He was sentenced to life
in prison.
“The honor of Hungarians is not for sale” read one banner. Another, in
Hungarian, read “This is not our shame!” A third read, “We are sorry,
Armenia!” and was also one of the main chants at the demonstration.
“Murderers should not be extradited to countries where it is clear
that ethnic hate crimes are considered heroism,” protester Laszlo
Muhari told Reuters. “In a democratic country this is not acceptable.”
Muhari added, “[Prime Minister Viktor] Orban should stop lying and
start giving clear answers, because it is simply impossible that such
a brutal killer is just released without a background deal.”
‘Stupid, unethical, uncivilized, and illegal’
Thousands of Hungarians continued joining Facebook groups apologizing
for their government’s action. One such group, called “Sorry, Armenia,”
had more than 11,300 followers as of Sept. 4.
In comments provided to Armenian Weekly editor Khatchig Mouradian,
Krulf, the founder of the group, said, “We have nothing to
do with either Armenian or Azeri affairs. This is about the
Hungarian government’s stupid, unethical, un-European, uncivilized,
internationally illegal, deplorable action, for which we, as some
of the thinking and civilized citizens of this country, wish to
apologize.”
“As human beings, we wish to express that this was not done with
our agreement, on our behalf or in our name. We distance ourselves
from this government,” added Krulf, who uses a cyber-name fearing
government reprisal.
A scene from the demonstration in Budapest.
“It is our internal problem which, however, touches on other nations
and international affairs and concerns, by all accounts, not only
the people of Armenia, but people in many countries. It has caused
a huge international uproar and consternation by many, including
the President of the United States. So we will apologize, we are
apologizing,” he concluded.
For more details on the reaction of thousands of Hungarians outraged
by their government’s action, read our report here.
Demonstrations worldwide
Meanwhile, Armenians and others condemning the extradition took part
in demonstrations and gatherings across the world.
In Calcutta, India, members of the Armenian community gathered in
front of the Hungarian consulate on Sept. 3 carrying signs that read,
“Shame on you, Hungary” and demanding an apology from the Hungarian
government.
A group photo of the Armenians gathered in front of the consulate in
Calcutta on Sept. 3.
On the same day, similar protests were held in front of the Hungarian
embassies in Oslo and London.
Dozens of demonstrations are scheduled worldwide for later this week.
On Sept. 5, a demonstration will be held in front of the Hungarian
embassy in Cyprus. On Sept. 6, a large demonstration will take place
in front of the Azerbaijani and Hungarian consulates in Los Angeles.
The author would like to thank Zsuzsanna Guba for her help with
translation from Hungarian. A follow-up to this story will be published
later this week. Please send your letters, comments, and relevant
links to the author at [email protected] or contact him on
Twitter by clicking here.
From: Baghdasarian
http://www.armenianweekly.com/2012/09/04/the-axe-effect/