Thousands brave cold to protest against Orbán, in one of the most sustained expressions of street opposition since he entered office 8 years ago. Our report nyti.ms/2GiBskc
Article updated to include details of the assault on an opposition MP, @hadhazyakos, after he entered the state broadcaster to ask for coverage of the protest and its demands. nytimes.com/2018/12/16/wor…
Standoff continues at Hungary's state media hq. One opposition lawmaker is trapped inside, surrounded by security guards. Even police can't reach him. Another MP has just broken inside the complex to try to reach him. Surreal scenes. Which state media is not reporting on. #orban
Now we have a bizarre situation where there are some MPs and journo stuck between the building's fence and its main entrance. Then there's an MP stuck inside surrounded by security guards. Protesters outside, blocked by police, who say they can't go inside to help the MP. 
And the main protest isn't due for another hour...
Paramedics have turned up to help the trapped MP but even they can't get in.
The police have now entered — to decree that all lawmakers must leave the state media building or be forcibly removed. The MPs say they are there legally. Chaotic and bizarre scenes. #orban
What makes this even more bizarre is that due to the state media blackout, perhaps half the country don’t even know what’s been happening this wk. And half the rest might think these protesters & MPs are all 5th columnists — due to the propaganda from the pro-Orbán private media
There are still apparently around 10 opposition MPs still inside the state media building, in addition to the lawmaker who was surrounded by security guards. They have been surviving on food from 3 vending machines.
Now: about 1000 have turned up in sub-zero temperatures to this remote suburb to continue the weekend’s protests.
Question is:
Where does all this lead?
It's clear—some oppn MPs are no longer willing to play #Orban's game.
Also clear—a small but committed group of Hungarians are willing to brave cold to protest each night.
But amid a state media blackout, & with Xmas coming: now what?
Where does all this lead?
It's clear—some oppn MPs are no longer willing to play #Orban's game.
Also clear—a small but committed group of Hungarians are willing to brave cold to protest each night.
But amid a state media blackout, & with Xmas coming: now what?
