Politician Péter Magyar faces investigation for alleged assault, property damage; EU Parliament denies immunity suspension

Hungarian politician Péter Magyar faces a police investigation for alleged assault and property damage following an incident at a nightclub. The victim, identified as engineer István Szendre, claims Magyar snatched his phone while he was filming the politician, threw it into the Danube River, and then punched him amid political insults.

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Magyar then approached him, telling him not to film. Szendre refused to do so, and the prime minister immediately grabbed the phone, twisted it out of his hand, and ran off with it.

Szendre recounted that the altercation began after he started recording Magyar at the venue. He stated that Magyar's party colleague first noticed him and gestured threateningly. Magyar then approached, demanding Szendre stop filming. When Szendre refused, Magyar allegedly grabbed the phone, ran off with it, and attempted to delete the videos at the counter, unsuccessfully. Szendre reported that he quickly pocketed his phone as Magyar approached again. While demanding his phone back, Szendre alleges Magyar punched him and hurled political insults.

Security intervened and escorted Magyar out, with Szendre following. Outside, Szendre claims Magyar denied having the phone before throwing it into the Danube. Another bystander reportedly gave Szendre his phone, allowing him to call the police. Magyar then left in a taxi with several young people. Police and investigators arrived at the scene to begin their inquiry.

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While Szendre was asking for his mobile back, Magyar punched him amid political insults, and the young people present saw this and stood between them.

The case was transferred to the Central Prosecutor's Office due to Magyar's parliamentary immunity. The Chief Prosecutor requested the suspension of Magyar's immunity to proceed with charges of theft, but the European Parliament majority rejected this. This decision is notable as Magyar had previously stated he would not hide behind his immunity. Suspending his immunity would allow for his questioning as a suspect and potential indictment. Legal experts suggest that if convicted, Magyar could face up to two years in prison, with potential aggravating factors including intoxication and aggressive behavior during the offense.

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The European Parliament majority decided not to do so.