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February 03, 2025 – Hungary –
Two journalists from the independent Hungarian news outlet Telex—reporter Dániel Simor and camera operator Noémi Gombos—were detained by police while waiting to question Prime Minister Viktor Orbán about healthcare issues. The journalists had registered to cover the opening of a film studio in Fót but were stopped and removed by police before the Prime Minister’s arrival. After being held and questioned for three hours, they were charged with misdemeanor offenses for allegedly resisting police orders, potentially facing fines up to $500.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) strongly condemned the incident, labeling it an unacceptable use of police power to hinder press freedom. CPJ’s European representative, Attila Mong, described the authorities’ actions as a serious escalation in intimidation against journalists—tactics previously unseen in Hungary. This episode fits into a broader pattern of media suppression in the country under Orbán’s government.
Since coming to power in 2010, the Hungarian administration has systematically tightened control over the media landscape. Legislative changes, government influence over media regulators, and the consolidation of media outlets under the pro-government Central European Press and Media Foundation (KESMA) have drastically reduced independent journalism. KESMA now controls over 470 media outlets, limiting critical voices and narrowing public access to diverse information.
Independent journalists in Hungary also face surveillance, limited access to public data, and smear campaigns aimed at undermining their work. The restrictive environment has drawn serious criticism from the European Union. In 2018, the European Parliament triggered Article 7 proceedings against Hungary, citing violations of democratic principles, including media freedom.
The detention and charges against Simor and Gombos highlight ongoing challenges faced by journalists in Hungary and the increasing obstacles to holding public officials accountable. Organizations like CPJ continue to call on Hungarian authorities to drop these charges immediately and respect press freedom as a cornerstone of democracy.
Reference –
Hungarian authorities detain, charge 2 journalists seeking to question PM Orbán
