Thousands of Hungarians rallied in Budapest, calling for Prime Minister Viktor Orban to resign amidst a growing scandal involving abuse at a juvenile detention center. Opposition leader Peter Magyar led the demonstration, which highlighted the urgent demand for accountability in the wake of reports of physical abuse at the facility.
Marchers braved the cold, carrying banners that read “Protect the children!” and holding soft toys and torches to show solidarity with victims affected by the abuse, which dates back several years. The prosecutor’s office confirmed that seven individuals have been detained in connection with the state-run center as part of an ongoing investigation.
In light of this escalating situation, Orban described the abuse as “unacceptable and criminal” during an interview with the news outlet Mandiner. He expressed his shock at the revelations surfacing from the case, stating, “More and more revolting things keep surfacing on a daily basis, which I did not think were possible in this country.”
In response to the unfolding crisis, the Hungarian government has placed its five juvenile correctional institutions under direct police oversight while investigations continue. The former director of the center is under scrutiny, facing allegations that include running a prostitution ring, money laundering, and human trafficking.
This scandal has generated intense public outcry and poses a significant challenge to Orban’s administration as he prepares for what may be his toughest election yet, anticipated in April. The incident reflects a growing concern for the welfare of vulnerable populations in Hungary and the need for oversight and reform in the country’s child protection services.
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