Hungarian troops have been preparing to help enforce new laws aimed at securing the Serbian border. The soldiers will backstop the new fence Hungary has built along it.

They are equipped with anti-riot gear and rifles, although Prime Minister Viktor Orban said last week that “no use of arms will be necessary.”

This Tuesday the new legislation enters force, making anyone entering Hungary illegally subject to a three-year prison sentence.

Climbing or damaging the fence is also punishable; more severe measures are provided for against smugglers or anyone bearing arms.

People must apply for asylum before entering Hungary, in Serbia, which, according to the Hungarian government, is a safe country.

Since this implies that applicants’ lives are not in immediate danger, anyone could be kept in Serbia or sent back there. Claims are supposed to be judged by the Hungarian courts within ten days.

Our Budapest correspondent Gábor Tanács found the capital unresponsive to questions on