A court in Kecskemét has ordered the detention of former Culture and Innovation Minister Balázs Hankó, who is being investigated over alleged misuse of state cultural funds.
Hankó brought to court in handcuffs
Balázs Hankó, a Fidesz MP and former Culture and Innovation Minister, was brought to the Kecskemét District Court in handcuffs on Thursday morning, accompanied by officers of Hungary’s National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV).
Hankó was transported from a detention facility in Cegléd to the court, where a judge was due to decide whether he should be placed in pre-trial detention.
The court ultimately ordered Hankó’s detention for one month, Marianna Bodó, spokesperson for the Bács-Kiskun County Chief Prosecutor’s Office, told Telex.
Before entering the courtroom, Hankó told reporters: “I have made a statement about everything.”
After leaving the hearing, he shouted that the prosecution had prevented him from making a statement, adding: “So much for freedom of speech.” The hearing was held behind closed doors. Hankó and his defence lawyer reportedly left and returned to the courtroom several times to review case documents before the decision was issued.
Prosecutors cite flight and interference risks
The Bács-Kiskun County Chief Prosecutor’s Office had requested Hankó’s detention on the grounds that the suspected offence carries a potentially lengthy prison sentence and that his extensive network of contacts creates a risk of flight or hiding.
Prosecutors also said there was a risk that he could unlawfully influence the proceedings, referring to what they described as an organised and hierarchical offence allegedly carried out over an extended period.
The prosecution said the aims of the detention – including ensuring the suspect’s presence and preventing interference with evidence – could not be achieved through less restrictive measures. The court’s decision on detention does not determine Hankó’s criminal responsibility. The investigation remains ongoing.
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Another former minister detained in separate case
Hankó is the second former government minister to be placed in detention this week. Former National Development Minister Miklós Seszták, a KDNP MP, was ordered into detention for 30 days on Wednesday in a separate investigation concerning alleged bribery connected to contracts involving Volánbusz. His detention decision was appealed.
Hankó’s detention is linked to the separate NKA investigation, in which several other suspects have previously been detained. The investigation into the alleged misuse of cultural funding is continuing.
