Shocking: Volunteer patrol officers accused of assaulting 12-year-old
A disturbing child abuse case has shocked the town of Kerepes: two local volunteer patrol officers are accused of taking a 12-year-old boy to Hévízgyörk and assaulting him. Police have launched an investigation into unlawful deprivation of liberty, while the mayor blames the authorities’ long-standing inaction for the tragic incident.
Kidnapped and beaten: Ended up in hospital
The boy’s relative shared the incident on social media. According to the now-deleted post, the child was taken by two patrol members by car from the Kerepes train station to Hévízgyörk, in Pest County, where he was assaulted, according to Telex. The boy suffered serious injuries, including bruises on his head, hands, and legs, and was hospitalised. The family member also claimed this wasn’t the first time the boy had been abused.
Police confirmed that a criminal investigation is underway for unlawful deprivation of liberty. Two suspects have been questioned and are currently not in custody.
Mayor: “Some taboos must never be crossed”
Kerepes Mayor László Gyuricza condemned the incident, emphasising that restricting a child’s liberty and subjecting them to violence is unacceptable under any circumstances. However, he argued that the situation was the result of years of inaction by the authorities. According to the mayor, the volunteer patrol members—previously respected and decorated individuals—may have been driven to act because official agencies had failed to address ongoing problems.
The mayor added that the boy’s behaviour had caused significant trouble in the community. Despite his young age, he already had a lengthy record of violent acts, with both the school and social workers having repeatedly appealed to authorities for intervention.
Authorities pass the buck
A case conference had been held earlier involving the child, attended by child protective services, the police, the school, and the social services centre. It emerged that neither the police nor child protection officials claimed responsibility for taking action. Child welfare services argued that because the boy had reached the age of criminal responsibility, it was up to the police; the police, in turn, pointed the finger back at child welfare services.
Gyuricza recalled that during the meeting, someone said, “Nothing will be done until blood is spilt.” He added: “Less than six months passed, and the lack of official intervention led to a real tragedy.”
Proposed legal reform stalled in committee
The mayor said this incident underscores the serious consequences of failed interagency cooperation. Last year, a proposal was introduced to amend child protection laws to make cooperation between township governments and child welfare offices mandatory. However, the Legislative Committee has yet to consider the measure.
Volunteer patrol officers expelled from the organisation
In response to the incident, the National Association of Volunteer Patrols immediately revoked the ID cards of the individuals involved and announced that the organisation dissociates itself from the case, which it says seriously violates its principles and rules. In a statement, the association stressed that it does not tolerate any breach of law and is leaving the investigation entirely to the authorities.
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