The Transformation of the Kárász Farm
Just a year ago, the Kárász farm near Horgos, located along Hungary’s southern border, was a makeshift shelter for hundreds of illegal immigrants. These individuals would often depart under the cover of night, attempting to evade the barbed wire fences that marked the border. Fast forward to today, and the site has become a ghost of its former self. The remnants of their presence are now limited to discarded energy drink cans and animal remains, stark reminders of the life that once thrived here.
The once sturdy roof has succumbed to decay, collapsing in on itself, while the nylon sheeting that once covered the windows has been torn away by the elements. The area is now overrun with weeds, further emphasizing the desolation that has taken hold of the farm.
Over the past year, Serbian authorities have systematically evacuated the premises, meticulously gathering migrants from the surrounding regions and transferring them to designated camps in Serbian towns such as Kikinda and Preševo. The situation has changed dramatically, with local resident Aunt Martha recounting her experiences to Euronews. She noted that just a month prior, Serbian commandos were still stationed in the main square, ready to intercept anyone lacking proper documentation. Those individuals were promptly picked up and transported away. Martha observed that since the summer, the area has seen a significant improvement in safety.
László, a local who has witnessed numerous distressing events, recalled a particularly harrowing moment when he was nearby as Middle Eastern immigrants engaged in gunfire amongst themselves. The chaos at the Kárász farm continued until Serbian police arrived on the scene, prompting the Belgrade authorities to take swift action and dismantle the makeshift camp shortly thereafter.
Now, the commandos’ buses and the foreign migrants have vanished, yet the Hungarian Interior Ministry continues to report that hundreds of individuals attempt to breach the southern border daily. However, one thing is clear: the situation at Röszke is no longer as tumultuous as it once was.