Orbán’s spies were hunting me, says Hungarian journalist accused of espionage

Key Points:

• Investigative journalist Szabolcs Panyi alleges that Hungary’s foreign intelligence services monitored his private conversations, which were then used by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government to discredit him following his reporting on Russian influence in Hungary.
• The surveillance reportedly intensified after Panyi’s outlet, Direkt36, published an article about a Hungarian intelligence operative attempting to recruit European Commission officials, and after Panyi investigated Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó’s communications with Russian officials.
• The Hungarian government has filed a criminal complaint against Panyi accusing him of espionage and collusion with Ukrainian intelligence, though specific evidence has not been disclosed, and prosecutors must decide whether to launch an investigation.
• Panyi criticized the EU for failing to act on evidence of Szijjártó’s communications with Russia, expressing feelings of betrayal and highlighting concerns over Hungary’s close ties with the Kremlin amid ongoing tensions with Ukraine.
• Direkt36 and other media outlets condemned the government’s alleged smear campaign and use of secret service methods against Panyi, viewing it as an attempt to suppress dissent ahead of a critical election for Orbán’s party.