State leaves people in small villages unprotected, says MEP Morvai

"The state behaves as if being the victim of criminal activities were a private matter," Morvai said. She added that not only was there no local crime prevention but the efficiency of subsequent investigation was also very poor. 

    Local residents complained about repeated thefts of products and garden utensils, and told Morvai they felt as if they were "not important enough" for the state to investigate those crimes and ensure indemnification. People have stopped reporting theft to the police because they see that nothing happens and they are afraid of the "verbal terrorism" of perpetrators, said Morvai.  

    The MEP said she was making a tour of the country to map out local crime and make recommendations based on her findings in one or two months. 

    Jobbik s spokesman Adam Mirkoczki criticised a recent amendment to the penal code against certain activities of paramilitary groups. The legislation was initiated by the government after the situation became explosive in Gyongyospata and other villages where radical nationalists staged patrols "to restore public order". 

    Mirkoczki said the amendment was "vile" and "disastrous" and its message was that "law-abiding" Hungarians should "not even attempt to help their peers" or else they may be imprisoned. Criminals, on the other hand, could continue undisturbed, the spokesman added.