CONFIDENTIAL
HUNGARY
Report by Eastern European and Soviet Department
Right No.
(i) We have had no information to
suggest that imprisonment without trial occurs in Hungary. But it is doubtful that an enforceable right exists in practice to com- pensation for unlawful arrest or detention.
Rating suggested by Department
4
(ii)
Torture is not used, although there are apparently some (un-
2
publicised) cases of police brutality.
(iii)
O
8
Slavery does not exist.
11
(iv) The Constitution ensures "freedom
of speech ... in accordance with the interests of socialistm Thus open expression of opinions differing from the official line is not really possible. There has how- ever been a discernible, though very slight, trend to relaxation in the last few years, but this has not affected the restrictions on the import of political material undesirable from the regime's point of view.
(v) The independence of the judiciary is
enshrined in the Constitution. ever, as stated by the Minister of Justice "Our judges serve the cause of the socialist state and society
How-
#1
(vi) Freedom of association is guaranteed
in the Constitution and everyone is encouraged to join a trade union. How- ever, safeguarding the individual in- terests of workers and the unions takes second place to contributing to the con- struction of a socialist society.
(vii) Emigration is permitted in very few
cases. These usually involve women married to foreigners, and those old or infirm people who have more connections outside than inside the country.
CONFIDENTIAL
10
10
8
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.