Perpetrators in Olaszliszka "lynching" could face life

The perpetrators of Sunday's "lynching" in Olaszliszka that resulted in the death of a teacher could face life in jail, reports hirszerzo.hu. Meanwhile, the Roma inhabitants of the village fear revenge, and many have fled.

Following Sunday's incident, the presence of police forces has intensified in the Eastern Hungarian village of 1,800 inhabitants. Many Roma families fled the village Monday evening, after a rumor spread that a gang of right-wing "skinheads" was on its way to seek revenge. Most families, however, have already returned to their homes, and Roma children have gone back to school.

The widow of the murdered teacher visited the scene of the crime on Tuesday. Villagers held a vigil, and lit candles.

Katalin Lévai, European Parliament MP and the leader of the European Roma Forum condemns the murder. "Social isolation, financial and moral poverty has led to an act that would not have happened in a consolidated society. The majority of the Hungarian society is rightfully outraged. I condemn and deem all forms of violence unacceptable."

The trial of the three arrested suspects began Wednesday morning. They are expected to receive a sentence of 10 to 15 years, but a life sentence is also a possibility.

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