The protest was led by opposition leader Peter Magyar, who accused the government of failing to protect children and ensure accountability. Demonstrators walked through freezing streets carrying torches and soft toys, symbolising solidarity with victims of physical abuse. A large banner reading “Protect the children!” was held at the front of the march.
Hungary’s prosecutor’s office said earlier this week that seven people have so far been detained in connection with the case at the Budapest juvenile centre. The abuse allegations date back several years and have triggered public outrage.
Prime Minister Orban, who faces what could be the most serious challenge to his 15 year rule in elections expected in April, condemned the abuse in an interview with Mandiner news outlet, calling it unacceptable and criminal.
“More and more revolting things keep surfacing on a daily basis, which I did not think were possible in this country,” said protester Judit Voros, who joined the march to Orban’s offices on Castle Hill.
In response to the scandal, the government placed all five of Hungary’s juvenile correctional institutions under direct police oversight while prosecutors continue their investigation.
Prosecutors have been probing the centre’s former director for months on suspicion of running a prostitution ring, money laundering and human trafficking. Earlier this week, a video released by opposition activist and former lawmaker Peter Juhasz led to the resignation of the centre’s acting director.
The case has intensified political pressure on Orban’s government, with opposition leaders calling for broader accountability and reforms to protect children in state care.
