Budapest - A controversial Hungarian extreme-right guard,
condemned by Jewish organizations and the Hungarian government, swore
in more than 500 new members in Budapest Sunday.
The creation of the Magyar Garda (Hungarian Guard) by the extreme-
right party Jobbik has raised fears among the Jewish community both
in Hungary and internationally.
The new members, including the first female representatives, took
their oaths in front of a crowd of over 1,000 people on Heroes'
Square, which features massive statues of Hungary's kings.
The organization, created by extreme-right party Jobbik, swore in
its first 56 members in August.
Mazsihisz (The Federation of Hungarian Jewish Communities) has
condemned the group for wearing uniforms similar to those worn by the
fascists in the 1940s.
The guard has chosen as its coat of arms a variation on the red-
and-white Arpad Stripes, a medieval flag that became associated with
Hungary's Nazi-aligned Arrow Cross party in power for a brief period
during World War II.
While the guard claims to be primarily a cultural defence
organization, it has run into trouble with the Chief Prosecutor's
Office for announcing activities that were not part of its
registration.
The group has said it wants to take part in defending Hungarian
culture, defending the nation in times of conflict and helping with
disasters.
While Jobbik has no parliamentary representation, main right-of-
centre opposition party Fidesz fought seats in many constituencies
with Jobbik's support in 2006 general elections
Jobbik members last year took part in anti-government riots that
followed the leak of a tape on which Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany
admitted he had lied about the economy.
The ceremony came two days before the 51st anniversary of
Hungary's 1956 Uprising against Soviet rule.
The event was blighted by the anti-government rioting last year,
and many fear that right-wing groups are planning to cause more
trouble this year.
The main opposition party Fidesz held a major rally on October 23
last year. The event was plunged into chaos as violent protestors
mixed with those attending the rally.
The right-of-centre party accused police of heavy-handed tactics
during last year's trouble and police have this year said they will
act carefully but with determination against any potential
troublemakers.
Fidesz is holding another rally at the same location this year.
Tens of thousands are expected to attend.
© 2007 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur 
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