Hungarian Right-Wingers Evoke Nazi-Era Militia

A far-right group reminiscent of Nazi-era fascist militias is causing alarm in Hungary and echoing nationalist movements across Eastern Europe, the Los Angeles Times reports. Members of the Hungarian Guard march wearing black uniforms that resemble those of the Arrow Cross, a militia that helped Nazis kill thousands of Hungarian Jews. Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany calls the group "Hungary's shame."

There are currently 600 members of the "Magyar Garda," and several thousand more have applied. The late California congressman Tom Lantos—himself a Hungarian Holocaust survivor—was so concerned by the group he introduced a bill to prohibit its members from entering the US. The most immediate concern, say some, is that the group will stir up hatred against Hungary's Gypsy minority. (More Hungary stories.)