Hungarian army given new powers in migration crisis
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 21 September 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Hungarian army given new powers in migration crisis, 21 September 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/561d0495e.html [accessed 5 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
September 21, 2015
Hungary's parliament has allowed the army to use nonlethal force to prevent illegal migrants crossing the border.
Under new legislation adopted on September 21, the military will be able to use rubber bullets, tear gas, and net guns to control migrants at its border, while police will be able to enter private homes to look for illegal migrants.
Earlier this month, Hungary sealed off its border with Serbia, making it a criminal offense to illegally enter the country or damage the fence it has built along its entire border with Serbia.
More than 500,000 migrants have entered EU member states this year, many of them escaping conflicts in Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
The influx comes amid divisions within the 28-member bloc over how to deal with Europe's biggest influx of migrants and asylum seekers since World War II.
Based on reporting by Reuters and AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
