Event In Picture

SANKOFA Band, a Ghanaian cultural group, entertaining the audience during the Africa Day, organised by the AFIKÁÉRT  Foundation on Sunday May 23rd at Tűzraktér in down town Budapest. To know more about this African cultural group, contact Archie Bonka, the band's public relation officer on +36 20 2584565

Gay Asylum Seeker Freed

 By Hakeem Babalola


The Pesti Kozponti keruleti Biróság has freed a Cameroonian man who was arrested and detained for possession of false documents. 

Gerard (surname withheld for security reason)  regained his freedom on May 26 2010 when he was freed by Dr. Recskó Victória. 

Mr. Gerard who pleaded guilty to the charge was brought to the court hands and legs chained. 

The 53-year-old Cameroonian claimed to be a year One Mathematics student when her ordeal began in his native country. 

According to his lawyer, Dr. Horváth Peter, Gerard had to escape from prison in his town because they wanted to kill him as a result of his sexual orientation. 

Gerard arrived Hungary in January 2010 and has since claimed asylum for fear of persecution in his country for being homosexual.

Homosexuality is considered improper behavior in most African countries.  In Malawi, gay couple was recently sentenced to 15 years in jail by a court in that country.  

The court had ruled that Steven Monjeza, 26, and his 20-year-old partner Tiwonge  Chimbalanga were guilty of sodomy and indecency. 

EU: Xenophobic Parties Gaining Influence

By Hakeem Babalola

Xenophobic parties are gaining influence both in parliament and government and in the media debate in many European Union member states. This was disclosed by the Swedish ambassador to Hungary at the International Day Against Racism held at the Gödör Club, Erzsébet Square in Budapest read more

Q & A: Taking A Job In Hungary

Hello Small Voice, 

I will be taking a job in Hungary. Is this place safe for black people? I'm a black American male, and I was considering taking a job in Hungary. I have traveled the whole world and never had any problems. I do not have a lot of experience in the Eastern European countries. I do not want to go anywhere where I will be harassed or experience violence because of my skin color. Please be open and very honest in your opinion. Thank you

If you mean the so-called disgruntled youths known as skinhead showing hatred towards dark skin people, yes there are many of them but attacking us is not well pronounced. Violence towards foreigners - most especially dark skin people is not common here - although there is public xenophobic sentiment. And of course there's no 100% guarantee. There have been very few cases of attack. But Budapest is not a dangerous place. The discrimination is not more than what one can experience in say America or Britain or France - if you get the gist. Small Voice trusts you will enjoy your stay in this Danube region.

Q & A: Traveling With Hungarian ID Card

Can foreigners who hold Hungarian permanent residence permit travel to the Schengen States and return to Hungary with only their ID card?

From 5th of April 2010 a new amendment of the government decree will enter into force. A new section will enable the holders of Hungarian permanent residence permits to reenter the territory of Hungary, by a presumption under which the non-recognized travel document shall be considered as valid until the national permanent residence permit expires.

Small Voice answers your questions