Unprecedented in the history of Hungarian democracy: opposition journalists subjected to lie detector test
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In an unprecedented move, Hungary’s Office for the Protection of the Constitution has forced opposition journalists from Magyar Hang to undergo polygraph tests. The investigation stems from a now-retracted false story about Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad fleeing to Hungary. Despite the pressure, the opposition journalists remain determined, vowing to stand by their work and continue reporting without fear.
Opposition journalists to take a polygraph test
As HVG reports, in an unusual move, Hungary’s Office for the Protection of the Constitution conducted investigations, including polygraph tests, on three key employees of Magyar Hang, a publication known for its critical stance towards the government. Those tested were Tamás Koncz, journalist; Csaba Lukács, the newspaper’s director; and Zsombor György, editor-in-chief. Magyar Hang revealed that this marks the first time such measures have been used against journalists in Hungary’s democratic history. Despite requesting the polygraph results, the opposition journalists have yet to receive them.
False story about Assad fleeing to Hungary
The investigation was sparked by the spread of a false story claiming that deposed Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad had fled to Hungary on a passenger plane. Initially picked up by Magyar Hang and later amplified by journalist Péter Magyar, the misinformation created a stir before being debunked. While Magyar Hang issued an apology for publishing the erroneous report, Péter Magyar did not directly apologise, merely clarifying the story’s inaccuracy after the fact. In a statement, Magyar Hang emphasised that independent journalism poses no threat to national security even when it makes mistakes. In a press release, Magyar Hang writes:
Imagine if Orban and Szijjarto and the rest of that band or criminals were subject to lie detector tests. “Did you make a secret deal with Putin to enrich yourself?” “Are you getting kickbacks from the Chinese?” “Have Fidesz politicians embezzeled EU funds?”
That’s an interesting suggestion, Larry. But, we all know that will never happen. Besides, the ….aahhh “gentlemen” you are referring to are beyond reproach……………..aren’t they?
“While some proponents argue that polygraphs are over 90% accurate, the National Academy of Sciences found that polygraphs perform—at best— slightly better than chance, but well below perfection. Their reliability is not considered sufficient for use as sole evidence in legal proceedings.”
https://www.scienceofpeople.com/lie-detector-test/
Intimidation tactics.
Hungary expects truth from media. The country has high hopes. The good thing is that lying mainstream media in the US lost its reputation, no one believes the media. The viewership and readership of the established media drastically decline. This will also occur in the EU.
There was a newspaper called Szabadsag or something like that. It was a socialist paper, owned by an Austrian chain. The paper went the way of the dinosaur, that is bankrupt.
If leftist papers want to stay in business, it is time to tell facts and keep opinions only to the editorial page. That is what real reporters and reputable media does.
The biggest pack of lies is actually told by Hungarian public media and its associated organs, KESMA and Megafon. They lie morning, noon and night.