Hungary: Failure to quash terror charges against Syrian man a devastating blow for justice

Ahmed’s absurd conviction has nothing to do with justice but instead plays into the hands of the Hungarian authorities’ demonization of refugees, migrants and those seeking to protect them.

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
QUOTE

20 September 2018

Hungary: Failure to quash terror charges against Syrian man a devastating blow for justice

Following a decision by Hungary’s Court of Appeal to uphold the conviction of a Syrian man, Ahmed H, for “complicity in act of terror” during clashes with police at the Serbia-Hungary border in September 2015, Eda Seyhan, Amnesty International’s Counter Terrorism Campaigner, said:

“After three years behind bars, this judgement comes as a devastating blow for Ahmed, his wife and his two young daughters.”

“Ahmed’s absurd conviction has nothing to do with justice but instead plays into the hands of the Hungarian authorities’ demonization of refugees, migrants and those seeking to protect them.”

“By blatantly misusing terrorism-related provisions and riding roughshod over the law, this verdict exemplifies the erosion of the rule of law and human rights protections in Hungary.”

The court today upheld the terrorism charge but reduced the jail sentence from 7 years to 5 years. He has already served 3 years but will have to stay in prison for at least two-thirds of the remaining 2 years.

For more information or to arrange an interview on the ground contact Aron Demeter [email protected] or +36 709401043 or [email protected] / +447904398127 or +44 2030365599

Materials including photos and footage of projection and interviews with Nadia – https://www.dropbox.com/sh/0azv4g1abcdacvf/AAAU1J3cbKXiIQtB0GIEpgPXa?dl=0

For live updates from the trial follow @Eda_Seyhan and @demeteraaron

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