“The judgment of people” The siege was still in progress, when the Communist Party and the police started the process of organizing and carrying out mass arrests and lynchings.  Due to the encouragement of the Communist Party, these public executions became mass celebrations, and they continued for several years following the end of the war.  Such popular verdicts were necessary in order to appease those most wronged by the war.  As a result of the crimes of the Hungarian politicians and military leaders, thousands had perished, become homeless, lost  family members and their fortunes.  However, these punishments only served a political purpose and the 'legal' procedure lacked the minimal judicial requirements.      Spectators at the execution of Arrow Cross men Rotyis and Szivós.  In the center in the beige overcoat is the lay judge Ákos Major. Source: Magyar Nemzeti Muzeum The execution of Sándor Szivós at Oktogon, February 4, 1945. Source: Hungarian National Museum The execution of Rotyis at Oktogon, February 4, 1945. Source: Hungarian National Museum Ferenc Szálasi on Szent György square in front of the Sándor Palace (the old residency of the Prime Minister). The new tenant of 60. Andrássy avenue.  Ferenc Szálasi in a prison cell. Source: Hungarian National Museum Szalasi before the People’s Court at the Music Academy. SourceL: MTI Bogar, the executioner and his attendant at the hanging of Ferenc Szálasi and his accomplices, 1946. Photo: Sándor Bojár Source: Hungarian National Museum March 12, 1946.  The courtyard of the judiciary at Markó street: after the coroner pronounced them dead, the bodies of the Arrow Cross leaders were put on public display.  From left to right: Ferenc Szálasi; Gábor Vajna, Minister of Domestic Affairs; Károly Beregfy, Defense Minister; and József Gera, key figure in the Arrow Cross Party.