The recent attack on a Hungarian truck driver by a group of migrants in Calais, France, shines light on how dangerous illegal immigration can be, according to government sources.
“When people talk about the dangers of illegal immigration, incidents similar to the recent attack on a Hungarian truck driver in France put the case in a different light," said Tamás Menczer, press chief at the ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Menczer asked "who will stand before the driver and tell him illegal immigration isn’t dangerous, this was just a one-off attack? Except he happens to have been the victim of this one-off attack," he added.
He also asked who would explain it to the truck driver’s wife, who is terrified and doesn’t understand why her husband, who has worked hard all his life, has been beaten up.
“The question also arises, which treaty on refugees includes the fact that illegal immigrants have the right to decide that they want to live in England, and if a Hungarian truck driver refuses to take them there they can beat him up so badly that he ends up needing hospital treatment. People will also be able to voice their opinions on the case at the upcoming referendum," he pointed out.
The attack happened in France at 4am on Thursday on the A25 motorway near Lille, about 100 kilometers from Calais.
The 49-year-old victim noticed his heavy good vehicle moving and found four illegal immigrants trying to open the tarpaulin. When he tried to chase them away they attacked him with iron bars and wrenches, primarily hitting his head and face..
“The man was taken to hospital by ambulance, but was later transferred to Lille because of his facial injuries. The victim has four loose teeth, a broken bridge, a swollen face, and has required multiple stiches, which may be removed within eight-ten days. Doctors felt he didn’t require overnight supervision, so he was allowed to spend the night in a hotel. Later, the police took him back to his truck where he was able to pick up clothes and personal belongings," Menczer said.
Menczer also said that the truck driver is still being interviewed. Police have taken fingerprints and have shown him photographs of possible suspects.
Menczer stressed that the ministry is asking all Hungarian citizens abroad to request assistance from the relative Embassy or Consulate general if they feel they are in trouble.