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Greece’s Asylum Freeze Sparks Global Outcry Amid Crete Migrant Surge

In a move that has ignited fierce backlash from human rights organizations and the United Nations, Greece has passed legislation temporarily halting asylum applications from migrants arriving by sea from North Africa. The three-month suspension, approved by parliament with 177 votes in favor and 74 against, allows for expedited repatriation without prior identification. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis defended the measure as a “difficult but necessary decision” in response to a sharp rise in irregular arrivals, particularly from Libya to the island of Crete. Over 7,000 migrants have reached Crete and nearby Gavdos this year, straining local resources and prompting concerns from the tourism industry. Rights groups, including the International Rescue Committee, have condemned the ban as illegal and inhumane, warning it violates international and European law. The UNHCR echoed these concerns, emphasizing that the right to seek asylum is a fundamental human right regardless of how or wh...

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Hungary’s Pride Ban Sparks Legal Threats and International Concern

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has issued a stern warning that anyone organizing or participating in the banned Budapest Pride march will face *“clear legal consequences.”* The statement follows a controversial move by Hungary’s parliament earlier this year to amend the Assembly Act, granting police the authority to prohibit LGBTQ+ public events on the grounds of child protection.

Despite the ban, Budapest’s liberal mayor, Gergely Karácsony, has vowed to proceed with the event, framing it as a municipal celebration rather than a formal assembly. He argues that the gathering is legally distinct and therefore not subject to the new restrictions.

Justice Minister Bence Tuzson countered that the event still falls under the Assembly Act, warning that organizers could face fines or even imprisonment. The government has also approved the use of AI-powered facial recognition to identify participants, raising concerns among human rights groups.

International reactions have been swift. Over 30 countries, including France, Germany, and the UK, have expressed support for Hungary’s LGBTQ+ community and urged authorities to allow the march to proceed peacefully.

The standoff highlights growing tensions between Hungary’s conservative government and advocates for civil liberties, with critics viewing the ban as part of a broader erosion of democratic freedoms ahead of next year’s elections.

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