Romanian Nationalists Vandalize Military Cemetery
The recent erection of crosses in the Úz Valley has been condemned by the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania (RMDSZ). The organization finds the act abominable and declares its support for the local government in restoring legal order.
According to RMDSZ chairman, Hunor Kelemen, extremist nationalists and chauvinists marched to the military cemetery in Úz Valley to desecrate it and disrespect the memory of the soldiers buried there. It is important to note that a court decision had previously ruled that the concrete crosses erected in 2019 were placed illegally and without permission.
Speaking on the recent incident, Kelemen stated that 150 wooden crosses were erected without permission and illegally, replicating the circumstances of the previous illegal act. He commended Hungarian community leaders for preventing an escalation of the situation through their warnings against engaging in provocations.
Furthermore, Kelemen emphasized that the Csíkszentmárton municipality had resolved the situation at the cemetery legally before and is prepared to do so again. RMDSZ pledges its support to the municipality and expresses its determination to ensure that those who disrespect the Hungarian community in Romania face appropriate punishment.
On Saturday, the Romanian organization Calea Neamului (Way of the Nation) replaced the removed concrete crosses with 150 wooden crosses at the International Military Cemetery. The smaller crosses bore the Romanian national ribbon, accompanied by a larger cross and a flagpole with the Romanian flag. Mihai Tîrnoveanu, the leader of the organization, announced plans to hold talks with the Romanian Defense Ministry to officialize the “Romanian parcel.”
The Transylvanian Hungarian Alliance (EMSZ) also released a statement, highlighting that the provocation had been announced in advance by the organizers. However, the police took no action to prevent the desecration of the cemetery and watched as extremists vandalized the memorial. The EMSZ expressed their disappointment in gendarmerie chief Marian Stan’s statement that nothing unlawful had occurred at the cemetery.
The latest incident at the cemetery indicates that Romanian authorities, fueled by hostility towards the Hungarian community, neglect their duty to fulfill their legal mandate. The EMSZ asserts that the only acceptable solution is to preserve the cemetery in Úz Valley as a resting place for the heroes buried there. The party announced intentions to pursue legal action against the participants, organizers, and supporters involved in Saturday’s action.
The ongoing tensions surrounding the cemetery demonstrate the need for dialogue and mutual respect between the Hungarian and Romanian communities. It is essential to find peaceful resolutions that honor the memory of those buried in the cemetery and uphold the rights and dignity of both communities.
