12 Dec 2018 | 11:10 PM UTC
Hungary: Protests continue outside parliament December 12 /update 1
Around 1000 demonstrators continue to rally outside the parliament building in Budapest on December 12; minor clashes with security forces reported
Event
Around 1000 people protesting the government of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán continued to rally outside of the parliament building in Budapest as of 23:50 (local time) on Wednesday, December 12. Minor clashes between demonstrators and police have been reported throughout the night. Police officers used pepper spray to push protesters back from entering the parliament building. According to security officials, at least four officers have been injured in the clashes. Further violence between police officers and protesters cannot be ruled out in the coming hours.
Context
The spontaneous protest started earlier in the evening with demonstrators marching from Kossuth Square to the Fidesz party headquarters. A heavy police presence was deployed to the area to prevent the crowd from entering the building. The protesters then marched back to Kossuth Square to rally outside of parliament.
Advice
Individuals in Budapest are advised to avoid the area surrounding the protest, monitor the situation, and obey all instructions issued by the local authorities.
