Syrian involved in border crossing riots convicted for terrorism

Budapest, November 30 (MTI) – A Syrian man has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for his role in a migrant riot at the Röszke border crossing station last autumn.

In its primary ruling passed on Wednesday, the Szeged court said that the man was guilty of terrorist activities involving illegal border crossing as well as coercion and violence, committed as a participant in the riot.

The court also ruled that the perpetrator must spend a minimum of two thirds of his term in prison, and that he would be banned from the country.

In July, nine Syrians and one Iraqi national involved in the riots were sentenced to 1-3 years imprisonment.

The ruling Fidesz party welcomed the court’s decision. In a statement, Fidesz said the Hungarian government had been vindicated in its decision to seal Hungary’s border, arguing that Europe was under a constant threat of terrorism. “Terrorism must not be allowed to spread in Europe and make its way into Hungary,” Fidesz said. “We must therefore do everything we can to protect our country from the settlement of migrants,” the statement added.

Photo:  MTI

Source: MTI