Hungarian prosecutors raid offices linked to Orbán's party
Photo: Viktor Orbán (facebook.com/orbanviktor)
Hungarian prosecutors have carried out investigative actions at offices housing the servers of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's Fidesz party. The party has already accused the government of pressure from an "authoritarian regime," according to a statement from Fidesz, a post by Prime Minister Péter Magyar, and comments from a spokesperson for Hungary's Central Investigative Prosecutor's Office to 24.hu.
Fidesz said prosecutors arrived without prior notice to seize the party's communications system and databases.
"Since 1990, following the fall of communism, there has been no precedent for such actions in Hungary," the party said in a statement.
Magyar said the public expects prosecutors to explain what investigation is being conducted and what materials, if any, were seized.
Prosecutors' response
Marianna Bodó, spokesperson for Hungary's Central Investigative Prosecutor's Office, confirmed that investigative actions had taken place but denied reports that Fidesz's servers had been seized.
According to Bodó, the Bács-Kiskun County Prosecutor's Office is investigating activities related to the National Cultural Fund. The case was opened on suspicion of mismanagement and other alleged offenses.
She said further details cannot be disclosed at this stage in order to protect the integrity of the investigation.
As previously reported, following his election victory, Magyar launched a broad overhaul of Hungary's political system and media landscape, both of which had been shaped during Orbán's years in power. Lawmakers also approved constitutional amendments that effectively prevent Orbán from returning as prime minister.
In addition, Hungary's largest state-run television channel, M1, has stopped broadcasting news programs and publicly apologized to viewers for years of spreading false information.
