Hungarian politicians caught up in Szőlő Street paedophile scandal: here’s what to know so far
In recent months, Hungary has witnessed an unprecedented political storm: following revelations of a pedophile scandal at the Budapest Juvenile Correctional Facility—better known as the Szőlő Street home—questions of governmental responsibility have now emerged at the highest level. This article summarises the available facts, political statements, and official investigative findings, seeking to present the essence of the case objectively and neutrally amid escalating tensions and conflicting narratives.
Table of contents
Background of the Szőlő Street Case
At the centre of the scandal stands Péter Pál Juhász, former director of the Budapest Juvenile Correctional Facility, who led the institution since 2010. On 29 May, he and a female colleague were remanded in custody on suspicion of human trafficking, forced labour, and abuse of authority, 24.hu writes in its report. According to reports, two girls from difficult backgrounds—previously raised in children’s homes—were allegedly forced into prostitution at the institution, all while officially listed as employees.
Accusations rising to political level
When Parliament reconvened after the summer recess, the Szőlő Street issue was immediately placed on the agenda. Opposition politicians—including Gergely Arató, Bence Tordai, and Klára Dobrev—posed direct questions about the involvement of government-affiliated politicians, specifically naming individuals (Deputy Prime Minister Zsolt Semjén, among others) and demanding to know who supported the institution’s director and to whom boys or girls were supposedly “delivered.”
They also asked why state authorities failed to act for over a decade. Klára Dobrev, chair of the Democratic Coalition (DK), offered a reward of HUF five million (EUR 12,800) for anyone providing evidence, while the Tisza Party demanded the suspension of Zsolt Semjén until the investigation concludes.
Government and Zsolt Semjén’s response
The government responded to the political crisis with firm denial. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán described the events as a deliberate smear campaign targeting members of his cabinet and announced legal action against anyone involved in defamation. In Parliament, Deputy Prime Minister Zsolt Semjén vigorously defended himself, speaking of a meticulously orchestrated character assassination and the “Beelzebub accusation,” categorically denying any wrongdoing or involvement. Semjén emphasised, “I will not allow myself to be destroyed unfairly”.
Investigations and official reports
Justice Minister Bence Tuzson published an investigative report on Wednesday, stating that there were no underage victims identified in the Szőlő Street case and that, based on the available data, there is no evidence that any politicians or government officials were involved. The report—drawing on materials from the National Bureau of Investigation, the Constitution Protection Office, and the National Protective Service—concluded that state-employed young adult women may have been forced into prostitution.
Claims of political links or involvement, according to the report, are based on rumours and lack concrete evidence. Furthermore, possible “foreign secret service involvement” has also been suggested in the case’s expansion into a political scandal.
Investigation, testimonies, expanding context
During the investigation, Gábor Kuslits and Csaba Káncz were questioned as witnesses; both cited hearsay or unnamed/unclear sources, and neither could present solid evidence. The report suggests that coordinated political attacks may be behind the continued focus on the Szőlő Street case, with the aim of restricting government effectiveness. Government figures and several politicians announced they will initiate legal action against anyone making defamatory allegations.
Political debate and social repercussions
Although the official investigations have yet to uncover evidence implicating politicians, opposition members and civic figures—including public personalities and artists—continue to keep the Szőlő Street issue in the spotlight, demanding comprehensive reform of the child protection system. Klára Dobrev, András Jámbor, and Péter Magyar, leader of the Tisza Party, have repeatedly stated that the case cannot be put to rest until full transparency is achieved and all those responsible are identified.
The Szőlő Street scandal will likely remain at the forefront of political and social discourse for some time, given its gravity and significance. Current official findings indicate no government members have been implicated, but questions of responsibility, child protection failures, and the need for transparency continue to be key focal points in ongoing political debate.
UPDATE: Inconsistencies
In his Facebook post on Wednesday afternoon, Péter Magyar highlights the inconsistencies in the investigation. “It is clear from the fact that they were in such a hurry that they managed to make around 20 spelling mistakes in the barely three-page government decree,” the politician writes.
However, he believes that this was not the biggest mistake made in connection with the investigation: “The government decree was published in the Hungarian Gazette at 12:55 PM today and thus entered into force. However, Bence Tuzson published the ‘extremely thorough’ fake report before 12:55 PM, with which they want to divert public attention from the horrific crimes committed against children. So the government released the report before the Minister of Justice could even begin the investigation,” he added.
It’s reported that children talked to a priest and told the priest that a big black car (hint government) would pick them up and take them somewhere with a dark room where they spent time with “Zsolti bacsi”. The priest in turn contacted police. Fidesz cannot be trusted to handle any investigation. A thorough investigation needs to be completed by an independent competent body that is not under political pressure by Fidesz. The second worst thing would be for an innocent person to be falsely accused with such a heinous crime. The worst thing would be for children to be left in such institutions subject to ongoing abuse. They need protection. What this article states as fact is that two people have been remanded in custody which means that there is serious evidence of paedophile crimes. Try to imagine the government desire now to pressure these people not to name names.
PEDOfidesz! The pro-family goverment!
Sure.
But you’ll be the first to call PizzaGate a “conspiracy theory.”
Why hasn’t anyone been arrested over “PizzaGate?” Trump is there now and everything is controlled by the Republican Party. There is nothing preventing the justice department from investigating and charging someone except for the fact that there is nothing there Michael Steiner. In Hungary you have the President and the Justice Minister resign over pardoning the enabler of a pedophile abuser and now you have two people arrested for procuring children for abuse. How do you logically make any comparison?
There are a lot of people (really, depraved creatures) in the child-abuse club: Hollywood “celebrities,” politicians (mostly Leftists), the super rich, etc.
Anyone sexually abusing a child needs to be put to death, period.
And all this time I thought it was gay people and drag queens doing this. Imagine my surprise! Talk about projecting! And Steiner again shows his ignorance. If he believes in Pizzagate, then all of us credibility is gone.