A/HRC/20/33/Add.1 recognition. As mentioned earlier, the Criminal Code was amended in 2010 in order to introduce a new crime of denial of the holocaust, which is welcomed by the Special Rapporteur as a positive step in combating anti-Semitism. Nonetheless, during the mission some interlocutors reported that anti-Semitic discourse is a long-standing problem which still persists in Hungary. In addition, reports received from some NGOs in the preparation of the mission indicated that the already rampant anti-Roma sentiments have been merged with anti-Semitism, including in public statements. In 2010, indications of rising antiSemitism in Hungary were highlighted with concern by the United Nations Human Rights Committee. D. Hate speech 43. During the mission representatives of the OSCE/ODHIR and some NGO representatives drew the attention of the Special Rapporteur to the rise of hate speech in Hungary. In this regard the often virulent and widespread anti-Roma statements in the media, and in public and political discourse were reported. While the Special Rapporteur takes note of the aforementioned provisions of the Criminal Code on the incitement to hatred against national, ethnic and racial groups, he would like to strongly reiterate the importance of ensuring that the laws and their implementation strictly comply with international human rights standards, including article 20 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and article 4 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. E. Extremist political parties, movements and groups 44. Since the first visit in 1999 of a Special Rapporteur on racism, Hungary has witnessed a strong resurgence of extremist ideas propagated by politicians, public figures and some groups of individuals who encourage racial discrimination and incite racial violence, especially against the Roma minority. The parliamentary elections held in April 2010 confirmed this worrying trend, when the political party named “Movement for a Better Hungary” (Jobbik Magyarországért Mozgalom) received 16.67 per cent of the votes and gained 47 seats in the Hungarian Parliament. As a result it became the third biggest political party in the Parliament. 45. The Special Rapporteur is extremely concerned at the rise of the Jobbik in Hungary and at its openly anti-Roma and anti-Semitic statements. Several interlocutors reported that the Jobbik’s discourse has been focused mainly on Roma, including on the alleged “Gypsy criminality” that needs to be combatted to protect ethnic Hungarians and maintain public order. Some interlocutors highlighted that traditional political parties were not firm enough in condemning such extremist rhetoric, which legitimizes this and aggravates the intolerant climate towards the Roma. 46. The Special Rapporteur is also deeply concerned at reports indicating the presence of police officers in the Jobbik political party. Similarly he is concerned at the growth of paramilitary organizations with racist platforms which target Roma and are reported to have close links with the Jobbik. According to some interlocutors, such paramilitary organizations include the now-disbanded Hungarian Guard established by Jobbik in 2007 and other similar organizations such as the Civil Guard Association for a Better Future and the Magyar Nemzeti Gárda, a new group with the same aims and leadership as the banned Hungarian Guard. They are reported to have harassed, intimidated and attacked Roma in areas inhabited by Roma. 14