Hungary adopts ‘Stop Soros’ laws penalizing migrant aid groups

Hungary’s parliament adopts a controversial package of laws penalizing NGOs that help migrants, a key proposal of the firebrand nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

Dubbed the “Stop Soros” laws after liberal US billionaire George Soros, accused by the government of orchestrating migration to Europe, the package of legislation was voted through by 160 votes to 18.

The laws will bring in a punishment of up to a year in prison for anyone convicted of helping a person who entered Hungary illegally from outside the Schengen zone, and whose life wasn’t in immediate danger.

MPs also approve a change to the constitution stipulating that no authority is allowed to affect “the make-up of the Hungarian population,” a clause designed to prevent Hungary participating in any EU scheme for mandatory refugee resettlement.

— AFP