Statement on Moves to Label “Antifa” a Terrorist Organisation

We note with concern United States President Donald J. Trump’s announcement that he will designate “antifa” a “major terrorist organisation,” and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s pledge to do the same in Hungary. In the United States there is no lawful mechanism to designate domestic groups as terrorist organisations; the statutory regime concerns foreign organisations under section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. §1189). Attempts to pretend otherwise politicise national-security powers.

Antifascism is not a proscribable entity. “Antifa” is a diffuse current of activism, not a hierarchical body; even the FBI Director has testified that it is an ideology or movement, not an organisation.

To brand opposition to fascism and totalitarianism as “terrorism” is the logic of authoritarian rule. When leaders with dictatorial instincts fear their opponents, they reach for the “terrorist” label to chill dissent and consolidate power. Kaharagia condemns such abuse—whether in Washington or Budapest—and affirms that citizens who despise fascism are right to say so, to organise lawfully, and to hold authoritarian leaders to account.