Opposition LMP protests Hungary's joining ACTA

The small opposition LMP party on Saturday voiced protest against Hungary's signing the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement and called on parliament not to ratify it.

In its statement, LMP said the agreement had been signed by representatives of 39 countries without any publicity, and its aim was to ensure full control over the internet. Once ratified, the agreement would impose legal responsibility on internet service providers for broadcasting copyrighted content and oblige them to exert full control on clients' internet use.

"LMP supports the freedom of the internet and protests ACTA, which harms people's freedom rights and their right to information," the statement said.

Around a thousand people demonstrated in central Budapest on Saturday afternoon to protest against the ratification of ACTA. Members of the demonstration organised by civil organisations marched from Jaszai Mari Square, passed along the Parliament building and moved to Garibaldi Street, the headquarters of Hungary's Anti-Counterfeiting Authority.