Large rally in Budapest in support of Central European University

Thousands of people have taken part in a protest in Hungary to demand the abolition of laws which could force the closure of one of the country's most prestigious universities.

New rules introduced by the government mean the Central European University (CEU) would be unable to award diplomas because it is registered in the US, BBC News reports.

The university was founded by philanthropist George Soros.

The legislation has already been rushed through parliament.

Demonstrators in the capital on Sunday want President Janos Ader not to sign the controversial legislation backed by the governing right wing Fidesz party of Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

Unlike last Sunday's protest, it was not just students who were out in the street - there were also lots of families, with some middle-aged and some elderly people in the crowd.

They marched peacefully in the bright spring sunshine, crossing Budapest's historic Chain Bridge as they headed towards Parliament. The protesters chanted slogans urging President Janos Ader to ask the Constitutional Court to review the new law adopted by parliament last week that is likely to lead to the closure of the CEU.