Hungary: Hundreds attend demonstration in Budapest October 19 /update 1

Event

Hundreds gathered in Budapest outside the Ministry of Innovation and Technology on Monday, October 19, to protest for the independence of Hungary's University of Theatre and Films Arts. This follows the imposition of a government-appointed board on September 1 that protesters feel will undermine the university's autonomy. There were no immediate reports of clashes or arrests at the rally. 

Some students have been barricaded inside the university since the beginning of September out of protest, despite calls for the blockade to end from the board.

Further protests surrounding the government decision are possible in the near term.

Advice

Those in Budapest are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities