Authorities crack down on secret Neo-Nazi concert near Budapest
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Hungarian authorities disrupted a secret neo-Nazi concert held on 21 December 2024, in a warehouse in Budaörs, a suburb of Budapest. Organised by the Nordic Sun Records Budapest (NSRB), the event featured international neo-Nazi bands and attendees from abroad. Despite efforts to conceal the location until the last minute, the concert attracted the attention of local police, tax authorities (NAV), and government officials, who intervened and conducted inspections.
Concealed planning and international ties
According to Telex, the Nordic Sun Cultural Foundation, closely linked to the NSRB, rented the venue under the guise of a film shoot. The foundation’s public charter claims to promote understanding between European nations, but its affiliations with the international neo-Nazi network Blood & Honour contradict this mission. Blood & Honour, founded in the UK during the 1980s, is banned in several countries, including Germany and Spain, and has faced sanctions in the UK under anti-terrorism laws.
Tickets to the concert were sold in advance, with the location revealed to attendees via email shortly before the event. Among the performers were two National Socialist Black Metal (NSBM) bands: the Greek group Der Stürmer and the Polish band Sunwheel. Both are notorious for promoting neo-Nazi ideologies through their music.
Police intervention and disruptions
Around 9 PM, a significant police presence, accompanied by NAV and government officials, arrived at the warehouse. They checked the identities of attendees and carried out inspections, disrupting the concert. While images and videos indicate the event went ahead, the intervention led to legal actions against those involved. The company operating the event’s bar faced proceedings from NAV, and its stock was reportedly confiscated. Additionally, the Nordic Sun Cultural Foundation was fined by the government for fire safety violations, including a lack of designated escape routes.
A growing trend in Hungary
Hungary has increasingly become a hub for far-right gatherings due to less stringent oversight compared to neighbouring countries like Germany and Austria. Neo-Nazi groups often disguise their events as private celebrations or martial arts galas to evade detection. Last October, a similar far-right event in Csömör was falsely registered as a birthday party, while in May 2023, another gathering was presented as a martial arts competition.
Despite these challenges, Hungarian authorities are showing greater vigilance. The crackdown in Budaörs reflects broader efforts to monitor and disrupt extremist activities, though such events remain challenging to eliminate entirely. The NSRB is reportedly planning another concert in February 2025, featuring ten European bands. As with previous events, the location will likely remain undisclosed until the last moment, posing ongoing challenges for law enforcement. This case highlights the persistent issue of far-right activities in Hungary and the need for coordinated efforts to curb their growth, especially given their international connections and concealed operations.
Read also:
- Secret neo-Nazi music festival held at Hungarian cultural centre under guise of birthday party
- Hungarian journalist with government ties among customers of Swedish neo-Nazi webshop
Featured image: depositphotos.com
Hungary a go-to, feel-safe place for the far-right? Who would have thought?