In Which Country Is The Red Star Prohibited By Law?

The use and display of the red star is prohibited by law in Hungary, as it is seen as a symbol of Communist dictatorship. The clause concerning the five-pointed red star is found in section 269 of the Criminal Code of Hungary and is entitled: "Banned Symbols of Totalitarianism." This piece of legislation also bans the use or display of the hammer and sickle, the Nazi Swastika, the SS symbol and the Arrow-Cross, the symbol of Hungary's Nazi party during World War II. Displaying the red star or any of these prohibited symbols can lead to a prison sentence of up to two years.

All major political parties in Hungary support this piece of legislation, even though some have raised concerns over whether or not it is an infringement of freedom of expression. The Communist Party of Hungary, however, is currently organizing a campaign to have the law concerning the red star over-turned, or repealed, by lodging a complaint with the country's Superior Court, and with human rights agencies within the European Union.