Hungary's Supreme Court upholds ban on paramilitary group

Budapest - The Hungarian Supreme Court upheld on Tuesday a ban against the Hungarian Guard, a controversial paramilitary group linked to the nationalist party Jobbik, the state news agency MTI reported. "Through its activities, the group has overstepped the boundaries of freedom of expression," the court said after reaching its decision.

"We acknowledge, but do not accept the verdict," said Jobbik leader Gabor Vona, who was instrumental in setting up the paramilitary group.

Jobbik and representatives of the Hungarian Guard said they intend to take the case to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.

The nationalist group has been battling the courts since it was found guilty a year ago of violating the human rights of Roma villagers during an intimidating rally protesting what it calls "gypsy crime."

The ruling was upheld by a court of appeal in July. Nevertheless, a week later, Jobbik held a mass rally in the Hungarian capital, Budapest, at which party leaders and hundreds of supporters donned the banned black, white and red uniform.

Legislation introduced in November gave the authorities the power to impose a fine of 263 dollars on anyone wearing the group's uniform in defiance of the court ruling.

Jobbik won 15 per cent of the national vote in the European Parliament elections on June 7, securing three of Hungary's 22 seats after campaigning on an anti-Roma, Eurosceptic platform.

Opponents say the organization's uniform and insignia is reminiscent of the Arrow Cross, a World War II-era Hungarian fascist party. Jobbik insists it is based on traditional peasant costume.