Minister eases terrorism alert to middle level and invites parties to discuss planned anti-terrorism measures

Budapest, March 29 (MTI) – Interior Minister Sándor Pintér lowered a heightened terrorism alert for the whole country to a medium level state at 1pm on Tuesday. Pintér has invited the group leaders of parliamentary parties for a consultation about the government’s planned anti-terrorism measures on April 1, Gergely Gulyás, deputy group leader of ruling Fidesz, said on Tuesday. Pintér lowered a heightened terrorism alert for the whole country to a medium level state at 1pm on Tuesday.

Interior minister eases terrorism alert to middle level

The heightened alert was ordered last Tuesday, in wake of the terrorist blasts in Brussels. At that time, Pinter said the heightened alert would stay in effect “until it is established what exactly happened in Brussels and what can be expected in other European countries.”

Pintér invites parties to discuss planned anti-terrorism measures

Pintér announced last week that the government would submit to parliament a proposal on a package of anti-terrorism measures, including amendments to the constitution and related cardinal laws, with the aim to increase Hungary’s security in the wake of the terrorist attacks in Brussels.

Several elements of the anti-terrorism bill will require the support of two-thirds of lawmakers.

The planned measures include allowing the interior ministry’s Coordination Centre Against Organised Crime direct access to data files to support prevention efforts, Gulyás told a press conference.

They also include banning the use of communication tools that store classified information authorities have no way to access.

Another measure would limit the civilian use of communications networks to allow smoother communication among authorities and agencies involved for instance in rescue operations after a terrorist attack, Gulyás said.

Further, the police would get broader powers in data management related to border control and guarding facilities, he added.

Pintér asked the group leaders to submit their related proposals by Wednesday midnight, said Gulyás, adding that the government would discuss them at the April 4 cabinet meeting.

Photo: MTI

Source: http://mtva.hu/hu/hungary-matters