Hungarian city shocked as naked parents drag child through streets in alleged “exorcism walk”
Surreal scenes unfolded in Debrecen last weekend when a couple, completely naked, were seen dragging their young child by the hand through the streets near Kardos Albert Street. Shocked locals watched as the bizarre incident played out, with several witnesses recording what they saw. Police have since seized the footage as evidence.
In the videos, the woman can clearly be heard shouting, “Cast it out of him, leave him, Satan!” as the couple walked briskly ahead, ignoring passers-by who attempted to intervene. Their crying, visibly frightened child followed them without clothes, and according to witnesses, the parents even shoved aside a passer-by who tried to cover the child.
Hotel staff suspected they were preparing for an “exorcism”
According to Blikk, the family had been staying at the nearby Hotel Divinus, where staff had already noticed unusual behaviour that morning. After leaving the wellness area, the couple reportedly stripped naked and walked straight out of the hotel onto a busy street. Employees immediately alerted the police.
Officers from the Debrecen Police Department located the parents within minutes, roughly 300 metres from the hotel. They appeared confused and likely not fully conscious of their actions. Paramedics transported them to hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment in a psychiatric ward.
Authorities have taken the child into protective custody, and the parents’ parental rights have been temporarily suspended.
Possible criminal charges ahead
Police have launched an investigation into endangering a minor. It is also possible that charges of public indecency or even abuse may follow.
According to lawyer Olivér Lakatos, the case will require thorough examination:
“The parents’ mental state must be assessed, and experts will also have to examine the child. Exorcism is not defined in the criminal code, but endangering a minor clearly applies.”
He added that the offence carries a potential prison sentence of one to five years.
“It may have been the parents who were ‘possessed’,” says pastor
Blikk also spoke to pastor László Magyari, who believes the parents’ behaviour points to “possession” far more than anything involving the child.
“I wouldn’t even call someone a parent if they humiliate or abuse their child like this. A spiritual realm exists, but exorcism must never involve violence,”
the pastor said.
He explained that he has carried out several exorcisms through prayer, but emphasised that these do not involve physical humiliation or force.
Hotel’s conduct under review
Hotel Divinus stated that staff acted strictly according to internal protocol and are cooperating fully with the authorities. Due to the ongoing investigation, they are unable to release further details.
What led to the naked “exorcism walk”?
Police are now trying to determine what triggered the couple’s extreme behaviour and what role various factors may have played in the naked “exorcism walk”. Residents of Debrecen have been deeply shaken by the incident, with many noting how fortunate it was that it did not occur on a weekday, when schoolchildren could have witnessed the disturbing scene.
Internment and isolation in a psychiatric clinic seems appropriate to me! The white powder is very cheap nowadays! Who knows what else the poor child had to endure?