Hungary far right forms "guard" amid Jewish protest

A small group of far-right Hungarians formed a uniformed "guard" unit on Saturday amid calls by Jewish and Roma groups for it be banned, saying the body sported Nazi-era symbols.

Cheered by 1,000 people in front of the presidential palace, 56 men in uniforms with red and white insignia, associated by some with the regime which sent hundreds of thousands of Jews to their deaths, swore to defend Hungary.

The group was formed shortly before the first anniversary on September 17 of violent anti-government protests that followed the leak of a tape in which Socialist Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany admitted he had lied to win elections.

"The Hungarian Guard has been set up in order to carry out the real change of regime (from communism) and to rescue Hungarians," Gabor Vona, leader of the Jobbik party which set up the unit, told the rally.

Jobbik, known for its anti-Semitic, anti-Roma and anti-gay rhetoric, is a fringe far-right political party which is not represented in parliament, but is present in several municipalities across the country.

The paramilitary group says its aim is to "defend Hungary physically, morally and spiritually." Their members, among other things, will be trained to use weapons.
 
Most recently, supporters of Jobbik disrupted a gay rights rally in the capital in July, throwing eggs and bottles and injuring several participants.