Hungary police ban neo-Nazi marches

BUDAPEST, Hungary, Aug. 12 (UPI) -- Hungarian police said they have banned neo-Nazi marches planned in Budapest to mark the anniversary of the death of Adolf Hitler's deputy.

A Budapest police statement Wednesday said nine marches were banned because the law prohibits gatherings that violate other people's rights and freedoms, the Hungarian news agency MTI reported.

Hungarian national-socialist groups were planning to organize marches Saturday to commemorate Nazi leader Rudolf Hess, Hitler's deputy during World War II.

Hungary's Prime Minister Gordon Bajnai and President Laszlo Solyom have opposed the planned marches, saying neo-Nazi gatherings are not welcome in Hungary, MTI said.

Hess died on Aug. 17, 1987, in Spandau Prison, Berlin.