A shocking case of abuse at a state-run youth detention center in Hungary has sparked public outrage after surveillance footage was leaked online. On Wednesday (December 10), Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government announced that five such facilities nationwide would be placed under direct police supervision in an effort to stem the political crisis.
In a briefing, Prime Minister's Chief of Staff Gergely Gulyas stated, "The government resolved in yesterday's meeting that the current social care system is clearly inadequate and has failed to effectively prevent such crimes." He emphasized that the five juvenile detention centers will be immediately transferred to the police for supervision.
It has been learned that Peter Magyar, leader of the opposition Tisza party, released a video on Tuesday (9th) showing physical abuse occurring at a youth detention facility on Szőlő utca in Budapest's Third District. The video quickly sparked a public outcry and led to the resignation of the center's acting director.
Prior to this, prosecutors had already launched an investigation into the center's former director, suspecting him of involvement in prostitution, money laundering, and human trafficking. The prosecutor's office issued a statement Tuesday evening stating that three people had been detained in Budapest in connection with the case, and promised to release more details on Wednesday. With Hungary set to hold general elections next April, Magalhão seized the opportunity to call for Orban's resignation and early elections.
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It is understood that the Diza Party has recently gained a significant lead in the polls, and Magal called on the masses to take to the streets last Saturday (6th), marching from the city center to the Budapest Castle district in protest. Magal's popularity has risen rapidly since founding the Diza Party last year. He initially stood up for former President Katalin Novak in her scandal, after she resigned following the pardon of a convicted child sexual abuser.
