The Budapest Police Headquarters has apologised to an HVG journalist after an internal email describing her as a “screaming blue stocking” was apparently sent to her by mistake.

Journalist had requested interview on street harassment

HVG journalist Noémi Martini first contacted the communications department of the Budapest Police Headquarters (BRFK) in early September to request an interview with Budapest police chief Colonel Norbert Tamás Baricska about street harassment in the capital.

The request was initially turned down. Martini subsequently began collecting accounts from people who had experienced harassment on the streets through an anonymous questionnaire.

According to HVG, more than 300 stories were submitted within a few weeks, 93% of them from women. Most described sexual harassment on Budapest streets or on public transport.

The journalist then contacted the police again, asking whether another representative could discuss the issue, as the responses appeared to point to a broader problem.

BRFK spokesperson Soma Csécsi subsequently called Martini and asked her to send specific questions so that a suitable police representative could be found. The National Police Headquarters (ORFK) later responded in writing, but only answered some of the questions.

Martini then asked why she could not put her questions directly to a police representative and, if written answers were the only option, why only some of her questions had been addressed.

Internal email apparently sent to journalist

According to HVG, an email was sent to Martini a few hours later that appears to have been intended for police staff rather than the journalist herself.

The message began with “Dear Attila!” and included three police employees among the recipients. Discussing Martini’s interview request, it reportedly said that, according to Soma, “a screaming blue stocking” would not be given an interview by the Budapest police chief.

The term “blue stocking” is a derogatory expression traditionally used for a woman portrayed as overly intellectual or opinionated.

BRFK launches internal investigation

In a statement published on Tuesday, BRFK acknowledged the incident and apologised for the tone of the internal correspondence.

The police said the language used was “unacceptable” and did not reflect its communication standards or the ethical requirements associated with them. It stressed that respectful and factual communication is expected when dealing with journalists, members of the public and colleagues alike.

BRFK also addressed the underlying issue raised by the journalist, stating that street harassment of women is a real problem. It said both reported and unreported cases must be taken seriously and that all legally available means should be used to prevent such incidents.

“We apologise to the journalist, everyone affected and the public,” the police said, adding that an internal investigation would be launched into the incident.

The statement did not identify the employee or employees responsible for the wording of the email.

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Featured image: illustration, police.hu