Hungarian deputies in Transcarpathia are investigated on charges of treason for singing the national anthem

The Ukrainian Security Service has initiated criminal proceedings against local representatives of the Szürte settlement in Transcarpathia for singing the Hungarian anthem at a ceremonial inauguration. The news was published by the Ukrainian news portal Novini on Saturday. 

Ukraine is using “the darkest methods reminiscent of the Soviet era” to intimidate its citizens, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said on Facebook on Sunday.

The minister reacted to recent press reports that Ukraine’s security service launched criminal proceedings against local councillors of the village of Siurte (Szürte), in western Ukraine’s Transcarpathia region, on suspicion of treason after they sang the Hungarian national anthem after a festive session.

Szijjártó said the move proved that Kiev was “committed to European integration in words only”.

He added that “contrary to the practices employed by Ukraine”, all European and international laws guaranteed national minorities the right to preserve their identity.

The essence of Hungary’s policy for Hungarians beyond the border is that all Hungarians are responsible for each other, Szijjártó said, adding that the Transcarpathian Hungarian community could continue to rely on Hungary.

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Source: MTI