Thousands march in Budapest over juvenile detention abuse scandal

Thousands of Hungarians marched to the offices of Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Saturday (13 December) in protest over a physical abuse scandal at a state-run juvenile detention centre. The demonstration was led by opposition leader Peter Magyar, who called on Orban to resign.

Protesters carried banners reading “Protect the children!”, soft toys, and torches as they marched through the frosty streets of Budapest, showing solidarity with the victims of abuse.

The prosecutor’s office said on Wednesday (10 December) that seven people have so far been detained in connection with the case at the Budapest juvenile centre. Earlier this week, the government placed the country’s five juvenile correctional institutions under direct police supervision while prosecutors investigate.

Among the demonstrators, Zsuzsanna Bodnar said the government “must absolutely resign,” while Judit Voros added that “more and more revolting things keep surfacing on a daily basis.” Janos Apro commented that “what we are seeing is only the tip of the iceberg; there is much more hidden.”

Peter Magyar addressed the crowd, criticising the silence of the President and the Prime Minister. “Why are you silent? Why is the President of the Republic silent?” he asked, before declaring that the government’s time is over. He added: “Our country has reached a point where we can no longer wait; we must not remain silent.”

Protesters shouted for the government to resign as they marched through central Budapest, demonstrating their solidarity with the victims.

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