Red Cross helps Roma villagers flee vigilantes

The Hungarian Red Cross evacuated hundreds of Roma women and children from their homes yesterday, due to fears over a far-right vigilante group setting up a training camp nearby.

The 277 evacuees from the village of Gyongyospata were taken by bus to other parts of Hungary because of concern about confrontations with members of Vedero, or Defence Force.

"We are afraid and we have reason to be," said Janos Farkas, chairman of the local Roma council. "For the past nearly two months, Gyongyospata has been practically a battlefield."

Vigilantes in camouflage gear have been patrolling with the stated aim of defending non-Romas from "Gypsy crime."