Hungarian Neo-Nazi Rally Blocked by Anti-fascists =================================== BUDAPEST, Feb 13, 2001 -- (Reuters) Hungarian neo-Nazis were blocked by anti-fascists from demonstrating on Tuesday at the site of a historic World War Two battle between German and Soviet troops, but vowed to return next year. "When will Hungary get to the level of democracy where people can freely practice their religion, express their views and stand up for national feelings and it will not be a crime?" said Gyorgy Kemal Ekrem, leader of the unregistered far-right Hungarian National Freedom Party. For the second year running the neo-Nazis were prevented from staging their annual rally after anti-fascist groups block-booked permits to assemble in the castle district, site of a 1945 battle where elite Nazi SS troops were defeated trying to fight their way out of Soviet-encircled Budapest. Dressed in black and with their heads shaved, the 30-odd neo-Nazis assembled outside the castle district to commemorate the battle and rail against what they saw as infringement of their right to free speech. "Hungarians should not be afraid to talk, to be Hungarian, to come to these kinds of rallies," said Karoly Konnyu, 48, one the demonstrators. Wearing key chains bearing the Hungarian crest tacked onto a metal cross, the neo-Nazis waved Hungarian flags and listened to martial music. They were outnumbered by members of the media and curious spectators. The rally ended peacefully after an hour, in contrast to a 1999 rally where 26 neo-Nazis were arrested for fighting and eight police officers were injured. ____________________________________________________________________________ ___
