Thousands of Hungarians marched on Saturday toward the offices of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, led by opposition leader Peter Magyar, demanding Orban’s resignation over a child abuse scandal in a juvenile detention center.
Demonstrations and Symbolic Actions
Protesters marched through the frozen streets of Budapest carrying banners reading “Protect the Children!”, as well as soft toys and torches to show solidarity with victims of physical abuse dating back several years.
The public prosecutor’s office confirmed that seven individuals have been detained in connection with the Budapest juvenile facility.
Judit Voros, one of the demonstrators, said, “More and more appalling things are coming to light every day—things I never thought possible in this country.”
Government Response
Prime Minister Orban condemned the abuse in an interview with Mandiner, calling it “unacceptable and criminal”, as he faces what could be his toughest electoral challenge in 15 years, with general elections expected in April.
Earlier this week, the government placed Hungary’s five juvenile correctional institutions under direct police supervision while prosecutors continue their investigation.
Investigation Details
Prosecutors have been investigating the former director of the facility for months, suspecting involvement in running a prostitution network, money laundering, and human trafficking.
A video released this week by opposition activist and former lawmaker Peter Juhasz prompted the resignation of the interim director of the center.
