Budapest Marchers Call for Democracy, Freedom of Press
About 10,000 protesters marched through the streets of this Communist capital today calling for democracy and freedom of the press.
Dozens of police patrols passed by, but authorities made no attempt to hinder the unofficial protest, which came on the anniversary of Hungary’s aborted 1848 revolution against Austria.
Protesters carried signs that read “We Want Democracy” and “We Want Freedom of the Press” and chanted anti-government slogans.
Groups of demonstrators whistled and applauded when police vehicles passed by, but authorities refused to act on what appeared to be attempts to provoke them.
The protesters blocked traffic and attracted large groups of passers-by, some of whom joined the throng as it meandered through central Budapest.
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