Justice Minister says police prepared for March 15 demonstrations

Hungary's police force is well prepared to handle demonstrations and any possible disturbances during the March 15 national holiday, Justice Minister Tibor Draskovics said on Tuesday.

"We must put an end to the whole country being scared of a few hundred trouble makers," Draskovics said.

Asked whether the police had any information about any group planning violent protests, Draskovics said the risks connected to every planned demonstration had been analysed and preparations drawn up accordingly.

National holidays have been the focus of discontent over the past few years. Serious disturbances followed the 2006 elections. At similar events in the recent past, however, the level of violence has abated and the police's ability to control it has firmed.

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