‘We are not afraid’ - Amnesty Hungary reacts to blacklisting of NGO workers

“We will keep working for those values and human rights that the government forgot a long time ago” - Julia Ivan

Responding to news that Hungarian magazine, Figyelő, today published a list of blacklisted ‘Soros mercenaries’, including members of Amnesty International, Julia Ivan, Director of Amnesty International Hungary, said:

“I would like to say that I am surprised and outraged. But it would be more accurate to say that I am sad and slightly disgusted.

“We wake up every morning thinking about what despicable lies are we going to read in the government media that day. Today's list is the latest attempt to intimidate co-workers, members and supporters of NGOs.

“We have bad news for the government - we are not afraid, we are not going to step down. We will keep working for those values and human rights that the government forgot a long time ago.”

Figyelő, a pro-government weekly publication, published a list of more than 200 people that includes staff and board members of Amnesty Hungary, the Hungarian Helsinki Committee, Civil Liberties Union, Transparency International Hungary and other civil organisations. The list also features investigative journalists from website Direkt36, and teachers at the Central European University.

Julia Ivan added:

“These organisations are supporting and representing tens of thousands of people. By attacking them, the government neglects the needs of these people. If the government accomplishes its aim and leaves Hungary with no human rights NGOs, vulnerable people will be left behind without any help and support.

“This is not only about the NGOs that are under attack, this affects everyone’s life. In response we all should raise our voice and make it clear - we will not be intimidated.”