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Hungary's leader wants drug tests for journalists

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AP Budapest
Last Updated : Dec 12 2014 | 9:20 PM IST
Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has vowed to remake Hungary into a "non-liberal" state, now wants mandatory drug testing for journalists and politicians.
A member of his ruling Fidesz party earlier had suggested mandatory annual drug tests for 12 to 18-year-olds, but that plan has apparently been dropped. Critics see the latest announcement as an attempt by Orban to combat a drop in popularity and say it will be impossible to implement.
Orban said today the drug tests are needed to fight the "drug mafia." His party says a draft bill will be ready in February for debate in parliament, where Fidesz enjoys a two-thirds majority.
Tamas Kardos of the Hungarian Civil Liberties Union said the latest proposal could be an attempt to intimidate journalists.

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First Published: Dec 12 2014 | 9:20 PM IST

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