On November 17, there was a demonstration in New York City at the Hungarian Consulate. As part of „The Day of Public Outrage” young people staged an orderly protest with signs saying “Orbán-free Hungary” at the Consulate building. As it turns out, Hungarian diplomats viewed these anti-government protesters as a major security threat.
First, they sent out an employee to take photos of the protestors and their signs. After that, they called the police to take action against the „rebellion.” Yes, they called NYPD on them!
Júlia Standovár, a postgraduate student at School of Visual Arts who organized the protest said the policemen were “really polite and did not seem to understand why the Consulate had called them”.
We don’t understand it either. Actually, we do…
Demonstration at the Hungarian Consulate in NYC. Ferenc Kumin calls the NYPD to deal with the peaceful protesters.
Hungary’s Consulate is run by Mr. Ferenc Kumin, who in the past served as chief propagandist for Prime Minister Orbán. He specializes in communication tricks and constantly trying to convince journalists to write positive articles about Hungary, and Mr. Orbán. He is buffing his government’s tarnished image; he knows that he must avoid unflattering news reports appearing in the American media at any price. A lengthy anti-Orbán demonstration in front of his Consulate must be one of his worst nightmares.
Demonstration in New York, in front of the Hungarian consulate.
Last year when an animated film entitled “Red Card for Hungary” was shown on children’s programming on German state-run television networks, Mr. Kumin threatened with legal action. The educational cartoon explained to children that Hungary had violated EU regulations too many times and could therefore be punished by being deprived of EU subsidies.
Mr. Kumin said the content was full of lies and could stir up anti-Hungarian sentiment.
Ferenc Kumin, Hungary’s consul in New York, does not tolerate dissent when it comes to Mr. Orbán’s regime.
He is new to the diplomatic role; he is bright, energetic and has lots of ambition. His overreaction was foolish.
Mr. Kumin! Next time, when people show up with anti-Orbán signs at the Consulate, please don’t take pictures of them, and don’t call the police either, it is not necessary. Here in the United States peaceful expressions of opinions are OK, in fact, they are encouraged.
György Lázár
