Hungary defends media law against claims it is gagging free speech

HUNGARY began its fightback against claims that its new media law muzzles the media and prevents free speech, saying it is part of a revolution to break its last links with the communist era.

The legislation, described by the OSCE (Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe) as endangering editorial independence, came into force on January 1, the day the country took over the EU presidency.

It is one of several controversies involving the government of prime minister Viktor Orban and his right-wing Fidesz party that holds an unprecedented two-thirds majority in parliament.