Protesters demand Hungarian president’s resignation over a pardon in a child sexual abuse case

Calls for Resignation of Hungary’s President Grow Amid Pardon Scandal

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — The conservative president of Hungary is facing growing calls to resign following her controversial decision to pardon a person convicted of covering up a child sexual abuse case. This scandal has caused outrage and sparked an unprecedented political crisis for the long-serving nationalist government.

Pardon of Child Sexual Abuse Case

Katalin Novák, the first female president in Hungary’s history, issued a presidential pardon in April 2023 to a man convicted of hiding a series of child sexual abuses in a state-run children’s home. The man had previously been sentenced to over three years in prison in 2018 for pressuring victims to retract their claims of sexual abuse by the institution’s director, who was sentenced to eight years for abusing at least 10 children between 2004 and 2016.

Outrage and Calls for Resignation

The revelation of Novák’s pardon led to widespread anger and demands for her resignation. Thousands of protesters gathered at Budapest’s Sándor Palace, the presidential headquarters, to express their discontent. Hungarian lawmaker Anna Donáth, a member of the European Parliament, stated that she believed this scandal was something Novák “cannot come back from.” The government is now facing significant concerns due to the natural anger and public outcry.

Novák’s Political Background

Novák is a close ally of nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and a former vice president of his governing Fidesz party. Prior to her appointment as president in 2022, she served as Hungary’s minister for families and has been vocal in advocating for traditional family values and the protection of children.

Ethics Proceeding and Constitutional Amendment

In addition to the calls for her resignation, opposition parties have initiated an ethics proceeding against Novák in parliament. Prime Minister Orbán, who has been in power since 2010, submitted a proposal for a constitutional amendment that would prohibit pardons for those convicted of crimes against children, which serves as a rebuke of Novák’s decision.

Survivors’ Reactions and Demands

Mert Pop, one of the survivors of the sexual abuse, expressed dismay over the pardon and called on Novák to provide an explanation. He emphasized the responsibility to act on behalf of other victims and seek answers regarding the clemency granted to someone who facilitated their abuse. Pop highlighted the discrepancy between Novák’s public image and her actions.

Novák’s Response and Resignations

Novák refused to provide a formal explanation for her decision and did not address whether she had considered resigning. She stated that justifications for presidential pardons are not made public, leading to unanswered questions and division. András Gál, the lawyer representing some of the sexual abuse survivors, rejected Novák’s comment, describing the pardon as a “slap in the face” for the victims. Three of Novák’s advisers have resigned in the aftermath of the scandal.

Importance of Addressing Victims’ Concerns

Pop emphasized that the focus should be on the victims and their concerns, rather than solely on the discussion surrounding Novák’s decision. He called for an opportunity to meet with the president and receive an explanation of the pardon, stating that it would help in understanding and processing the situation, as the current silence exacerbates the pain and trauma experienced by the victims.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are:
– Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere
– Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels
– Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels
– Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements
– Target 16.a: Strengthen relevant national institutions, including through international cooperation, for building capacity at all levels, in particular in developing countries, to prevent violence and combat terrorism and crime
– Target 16.b: Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

No indicators are mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.

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Source: apnews.com

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