Hungary: Students to stage protest in central Budapest, May 19

Event

The United Students' Front plan to stage a demonstration in central Budapest on May 19, to denounce government education reforms. Attendees will gather in Kossuth Lajos Square from 16:30 and then march to Oktagon. Organizers predict 5,000 will take part. A demonstration by the same student group on May 4 resulted in scuffles with police and authorities using tear gas to disperse protesters.

Security forces will almost certainly deploy to monitor the gathering. Increased traffic congestion is likely in the impacted area through the early evening of May 19. Police will likely use force to disperse or arrest protesters in the event of violence.

Advice

Avoid the protest as a standard precaution. Prepare for road travel delays. Heed the instructions of security officials. In the event of violence, leave the area immediately.