Hungary should expect ‘fight’ if it reintroduces death penalty, says EU’s Juncker

The comments came from European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker, who criticised Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

“I’m a strong opponent of the death penalty for so many reasons.The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union is forbidding the death penalty. and Mr Orban should immediately make clear that this is not his intention. and would it be his intention, it would be a fight.”

Juncker was reacting to comments made by the Hungarian premier on Tuesday.

Orban said there should be a debate about bringing back the death penalty.

“I think the question of the capital punishment should stay on the agenda. we have to deal with it and it must be made clear to criminals that Hungary will use all means to protect its citizens,” said the Hungarian prime minister.

Orban’s right-wing government is under pressure from the far-right Jobbik party which supports the death penalty.