Hungary Approves ‘Chilling’ Media Law Over Protests
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Hungarian lawmakers approved a bill that will allow a regulator staffed with the appointees of Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s ruling party to levy fines and shut down media outlets, brushing aside protests from journalists.
The bill prompted local newspapers to run blank cover pages to protest what they claim is an effort to curb press freedom. Lawmakers approved the bill by a vote of 248 to 35, with 16 abstentions, today in Budapest. Orban’s Fidesz party was joined by its junior coalition partner, the Christian Democrats, in backing the bill. Members of the opposition party Lehet Mas a Politika put duct tape over their mouths during the debate.