Terror

A further exploration of the horrors which went on within Budapest last Century.  This elegant looking house, once owned by  an artist was, in his will,  bequeathed to the Jewish Museum in Budapest.  It was never handed over.  During the Nazi occupation it was commandeered by the Party and later by the Arrow Cross who used it for torture and interrogation.

When the Communists took over it eventually became the home of the Avi - the State police who used it for torture, interrogations and executions.

The building is now a memorial to the evils man can do do other human beings - from right to left. Reconstructions of the torture cells and the execution room - as well as videos of those who suffered or took part - were sobering.

In some ways more frightening were the descriptions of how minority groups could take control of institutions and power despite being in the minority.  The propaganda machines under their control decried those who took a different view to that of the powers in control as "traitors" or "dissidents".  Through a persistent drumbeat of messages as well as the assumed authority to challenge and arrest (and later show trial and execute) those who showed signs of dissent.  Elections were influenced more blatantly rigged.  Eventually they took overall control and ruled for 4 decades.  The last execution took place in 1985.  Maintaining free speech and a tolerance of those with different opinions is crucial if we are to avoid a repetition.

The afternoon was spent in more pleasant environments.  A visit to the Opera (with a few arias thrown in) and to the Gellart Spa Hotel and Baths (not to partake).  Followed by a dinner on the banks of the Danube. Despite the grey weather today it was still very miild and pleasant.