Several thousand Hungarians protested against restrictions on media and non-governmental organizations

Tens of thousands of people marched silently through the center of Budapest to protest against a bill that would allow the authorities to impose sanctions on foreign-funded non-governmental organizations and media outlets.

The draft law “on transparency in public life” will give the Hungarian government the right to blacklist organizations that “threaten Hungary’s sovereignty by using foreign funding to influence public life.”

They will also be prohibited from receiving donations through the annual 1% income retention program, which is an important source of income for nonprofit organizations in Hungary.

Critics, both in Hungary and abroad, say the proposed measures are part of a drive to clamp down on critical voices such as NGOS and independent news media, media reported.

The Hungarian government openly links its initiative to Ukraine and opposes “Ukrainian propaganda.”

More than 80 editors from leading European media outlets have signed a petition calling for the repeal of Hungary’s planned legislation targeting human rights groups and the media. 

The European Commission has called on Hungary to withdraw the bill, promising to take “necessary measures” if it is adopted.