Varga-Bajusz Veronika, the former state secretary, was transferred on October 30 from her detention facility in Kecskemét to the Kiskunhalas penitentiary institution, according to a statement given to Index by her defense attorney, Dávid Balázs. The attorney stated that his client was moved under what are suspected to be harsher conditions, adding that the defense received no official notification regarding the transfer beforehand.
Court Extends Detention Amid Fund Inquiry
The Kecskemét District Court originally ordered the detention of Hankó Balázs, a Fidesz Member of Parliament and former Minister of Culture and Innovation, along with Varga-Bajusz Veronika, on October 1. The Kecskemét Tribunal subsequently upheld this decision on October 13. The criminal proceedings stem from financial management connected to the National Cultural Fund (NKA), which distributed more than 17 billion HUF in grants.
Investigators from the Bács-Kiskun County Chief Prosecutor’s Office allege that the Special Committee for Priority Cultural Programs under Hankó’s direction used funds in a manner contrary to legal regulations and the founding resolution. The suspects face charges of breach of trust causing particularly significant financial disadvantage. Prosecutors initiated a three-month extension of the detention at the end of October, ensuring the suspects remain behind bars until February 1, 2026.
Defense Challenges Detention and Access to Evidence
Attorney Dávid Balázs filed an appeal on October 29, one day after receiving the first-degree decision regarding the detention extension. The defense argues that the evidence warranted treating his client as a witness rather than subjecting her to a prolonged and humiliating criminal procedure. The defense reports that while prosecutors provided most case materials, they withheld the former state secretary's complete e-mail correspondence, stating prosecutors intend to review the messages first and release only what they deem relevant.
Did You Know? The detention facility in Kecskemét, where high-profile figures have been held, previously housed defendants involved in the prominent 2005 mafia trial, according to reports by RTL Híradó cited by 24.hu.
A Telex reports that Hankó Balázs requested special accommodations, asking that his Budapest-based hairdresser be allowed to cut his hair inside the Kecskemét prison. The Bács-Kiskun County Chief Prosecutor’s Office rejected this request, though the decision remains open to an appeal.
Expert Insight: Legal experts note that high-profile detentions present unique security and management challenges for penitentiary institutions. While precautionary measures aim to guarantee safety and prevent conflicts, courts must balance these protocols against statutory requirements that favor less restrictive options before imposing full detention.
What Lies Ahead for the Detained Officials
The pending appeals from both Varga-Bajusz Veronika and Hankó Balázs will now be reviewed by the Kecskemét Tribunal. If the secondary court rejects the appeals, both former officials will remain in custody through the winter holidays and into February 2026. The defense team has indicated it will pursue further legal remedies regarding the recent prison transfer once official documentation is received.
Court Extends Detention of Former Officials Until February 2026
Why were Varga-Bajusz Veronika and Hankó Balázs detained?
Authorities detained the former officials on suspicion of breach of trust causing particularly significant financial disadvantage. The investigation centers on over 17 billion HUF in support payments distributed through the National Cultural Fund.
Until when has the court extended their detention?
Following an initiative by the Bács-Kiskun County Chief Prosecutor’s Office at the end of October, the court extended the detention period until February 1, 2026.
Where are the suspects currently held?
Hankó Balázs remains in a multi-person cell at the Kecskemét penitentiary, while Varga-Bajusz Veronika was transferred from Kecskemét to the Kiskunhalas penitentiary institution on October 30.
How will the second-degree court rule on the defense appeals regarding these extended detentions?
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