Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar has been questioned by the Central Investigating Chief Prosecutor’s Office over a 2024 incident in which he is accused of taking a man’s mobile phone and throwing it into the Danube.
Magyar said on Wednesday evening that he had been questioned at a pre-arranged time and had given a brief statement, but did not admit to the offence he is accused of committing.
“I was questioned this evening, at a pre-arranged time, by the Central Investigating Chief Prosecutor’s Office regarding what happened on 21 June 2024. I gave a brief statement and did not admit to the crime I am accused of. I will provide information on all further developments,” Magyar wrote on Facebook.
He added a brief comment underneath his post: “Back to work.”
Magyar questioned after immunity was lifted
The questioning comes shortly after Parliament suspended Magyar’s parliamentary immunity on 28 September in an extraordinary session. The immunity suspension was requested by Deputy Chief Prosecutor István Lajtár in connection with a suspected theft case.
Magyar had previously asked Parliament to lift his immunity himself.
The same parliamentary vote also concerned Fidesz MP Balázs Hankó and KDNP MP Miklós Seszták, whose immunity was also suspended.
What happened at the Budapest nightclub?
The case dates back to the early hours of 21 June 2024, when Magyar was at Budapest nightclub Ötkert.
According to the prosecution, Magyar took a mobile phone from a man who had been filming him. The authorities allege that he subsequently left the venue with the phone and deliberately dropped it into the Danube.
The prosecution said in September 2024 that Magyar’s conduct was capable of fulfilling the legal definition of theft. Magyar has rejected the accusation and previously described the proceedings against him as a political attempt to damage his reputation.
Investigation moves forward
The questioning shows a new stage in the case following Parliament’s decision to suspend Magyar’s immunity. The Tisza Party leader has said he will provide further information as the proceedings develop. Right now, the allegations are still disputed: the prosecution says Magyar’s actions constituted suspected theft, while the prime minister has denied committing the offence.
