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Mass protest in Hungary over child-abuse case

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Thousands of people in Hungary have taken to the streets in response to a presidential pardon granted in a highly publicized child sexual abuse case. The protests, centered in Budapest’s historic Heroes’ Square, aimed to show support for abuse victims and denounce the controversial decision.

President Katalin Novak, along with two prominent figures from Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s ruling Fidesz party, resigned in the wake of the backlash over the pardon. Additionally, a bishop who had advised the prime minister also stepped down after admitting support for Novak’s decision.

The scandal surrounding the pardon has posed a significant challenge to Orban’s conservative leadership, marking one of the most serious threats to his rule since he took office in 2010.

The demonstrations, labeled “there are monsters out there,” drew large crowds to Heroes’ Square, with participants expressing outrage over the abuse case and demanding justice for victims.

Novak, who apologized for what she termed a “mistake” in granting the pardon, faced criticism after the names of 25 individuals she pardoned, including the deputy director of a children’s home convicted of covering up abuse, were disclosed by the media. The deputy director had coerced children into retracting allegations against the home’s director, who had been convicted of child abuse.

Notably, political parties were urged to abstain from participating in the protests, signaling a grassroots movement driven primarily by young Hungarians advocating for child welfare and social solidarity.

Orban’s government, known for prioritizing family values in its policies, faces scrutiny over its handling of the case. The prime minister is expected to address the nation’s concerns and outline the government’s next steps in an upcoming state of the nation address.

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Hungary theatre chief offers to quit after Romeo and Juliet accident

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Hungary’s National Theatre director, Attila Vidnyánszky, tendered his resignation in the wake of a balcony fall incident during a production of Romeo and Juliet. The accident occurred during the second act, causing serious injuries to actors Júlia Szász (Juliet) and Otto Lajos Horváth (Capulet), who are currently in a stable condition post-surgery. Despite Vidnyánszky’s offer, Hungary’s culture minister, János Csák, rejected the resignation. An investigation has been launched, and Csák emphasized the need to await its findings before deciding on any further action.

The incident took place in Budapest, where paramedics treated Szász and Horváth after they fell from an elevated platform behind the scenery. Both actors are expected to recover, and Csák, along with Vidnyánszky, visited the hospital to meet with doctors. In an Instagram post, Csák expressed optimism about the actors’ improving conditions and wished them a swift recovery. The exact timeline for the investigation’s conclusion remains uncertain.

Attila Vidnyánszky, a key ally of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, has held the position of National Theatre director for a decade. His tenure, originally set to conclude in 2023, was extended to 2028 earlier this year. The close association with the Prime Minister adds a political dimension to the incident, highlighting the delicate balance between artistic leadership and political ties.

Júlia Szász, known for her roles in both theatre and high-profile Hungarian films, was scheduled for future National Theatre performances. Otto Lajos Horváth, who gained prominence in the early 2000s, particularly in Hungarian films and television shows, is also part of the country’s cultural landscape. The accident during the performance of Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy adds a layer of tragedy to the real-life drama, drawing attention to the intersection of art, safety, and leadership in Hungary’s National Theatre.

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Ukrainian Captain Imprisoned Following Deadly River Tour Boat Collision on the Danube

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The captain of a cruise ship involved in a fatal collision with a small tour boat on the River Danube in Budapest, resulting in the death of 28 people, has been sentenced to five years in prison. This incident occurred during a rainstorm in May 2019 when the Mermaid, carrying South Korean tourists, quickly sank following the collision.

The Ukrainian captain of the Viking Sigyn cruise ship, Yuri Chaplinsky, maintained his innocence but was found guilty of gross negligence. Chaplinsky intends to appeal the verdict.

This tragedy marked the Danube’s worst accident in three decades, impacting Europe’s second-longest river. Hungarian prosecutors argued in March 2020 that Chaplinsky had failed to pay sufficient attention and neglected proper navigation during the rainstorm. They stated that he didn’t detect the presence of the Mermaid, failed to communicate or issue emergency signals, and did not focus on steering the ship for several critical minutes.

The collision occurred just after 21:00 local time on May 29 when both vessels were passing under Budapest’s Margaret Bridge. Although seven of the 35 people on board the Mermaid were rescued and some bodies were swiftly recovered, others were swept away in the swift-flowing river or trapped inside the sinking boat. The boat sank within moments of the collision.

Twenty-five of the victims were South Koreans, including the Mermaid’s captain and a crew member. Only seven Korean passengers survived the accident, and one individual remains unaccounted for.

Chaplinsky, who has been in custody since 2019, expressed deep sorrow for the tragic accident during the court proceedings. He acknowledged that he cannot escape the memories of the tragedy and that it will haunt him for the rest of his life. Notably, he was acquitted of the charge of failing to provide assistance.

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