The phone thrown into the Danube returns to haunt the Hungarian Prime Minister - who waived his immunity
The Hungarian parliament removed the immunity of Prime Minister Péter Magyar at his own request, paving the way for the resumption of criminal proceedings against him in the case of stealing a mobile phone and throwing it into the Danube in 2024. The decision was passed with 139 votes in favor, none against, contrary to the immunity committee's recommendation. Magyar stated that he bears responsibility and has nothing to hide. In the same session, the immunity of two former ministers in Orbán's government was also lifted.
The Hungarian parliament today (Monday) removed the immunity of Prime Minister Péter Magyar at his own request, thereby paving the way for the resumption of criminal proceedings against him in a case from 2024. Magyar is suspected of stealing a mobile phone and throwing it into the Danube River after a confrontation at a nightclub in Budapest on June 21, 2024. The decision was passed with 139 votes in favor, none against or abstaining, and contrary to the immunity committee's recommendation. In his speech before the vote, Magyar called on parliament members to remove his immunity and stated that he does not intend to evade the legal process. He emphasized the principle of equality before the law. In the same session, the immunity of two former ministers in Orbán's government was also lifted: Balázs Hankó, suspected of embezzlement, and Miklós Szász, suspected of bribery. Members of the Fidesz and KDNP parties boycotted the session. The removal of immunity does not determine guilt.