Indicator history

One of the major features of the 'Council Framework Decision 2008/913/JHA of 28 November 2008 on combating certain forms and expressions of racism and xenophobia by means of criminal law', the ‘penalties for legal persons’[1] (e.g. extremist organisations) was already in place in the Hungarian legal framework, by the implementation of the Act on Criminal Measures Against Legal Persons in 2001.[2]

Petty offence legislation was amended in 2010[3] regarding conducts in connection with a banned social organisation, introducing a fine of up to 150,000 HUF (approx. 600 EUR) or a sanction of detainment for anyone who participates in the activities in a banned social organisation[4] any way or who wears the uniform thereof or any uniform resembling that of a banned social organisation at a public event.

In February 2010, the Criminal Code was amended to punish participating in the leadership or in some cases the mere activities of banned associations (e.g. in extremist associations: consider the amendment of the Act on Petty Offences) with up to three years of imprisonment.[5]

[1]     Council Framework Decision 2008/913/JHA of 28 November 2008 on combating certain forms and expressions of racism and xenophobia by means of criminal law, Article 6.

[2]     Hungary/Act No. CIV (2001)

[3]     Hungary/Act No. CIV (2010), which modified Article 152/B of Hungary/Act No. LXIX (1999)

[4]     E. g. the extremist Magyar Gárda [Hungarian Guard].

[5]     Hungary/Act No. XXXV. (2010) on the Amendment of the Criminal Code (Hungary/Act No. IV. (1978)), amending Article 212/A of the Criminal Code.