Hungarian journalists find relief after Orbán loses election
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 08:31 · Archive
Viktor Orbán's defeat in April ended 16 years of media control and press restrictions in Hungary.
Viktor Orbán's election defeat in April ended his 16-year control of Hungary, a period marked by restrictions on press freedoms and media control. During his rule, Hungary's ranking on the Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index fell from 23rd in 2010 to 68th by last year, and the organisation listed Orbán as a media predator.
Investigative journalist Szabolcs Panyi exemplifies the pressure journalists faced under Orbán's government. He was subjected to smear campaigns in pro-government media and accused by officials of spying for Ukraine. When the government filed a criminal complaint against him for espionage, Panyi fled to Poland to avoid facing years in prison.
Following Orbán's election loss, the situation for independent journalists has improved. Panyi has returned to Budapest and is preparing to release his book, 'Friends with Benefits', which details Russian intelligence penetration and influence operations in Hungary. Under Hungary's new centre-right, pro-European government led by Prime Minister Péter Magyar, pressure on independent journalists has eased.
How it is being reported
- Hungarian journalists feel the pressure lifting after Orbán’s defeatFormer Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's election defeat in April ended a 16-year rule marked by media control and restrictions on press freedoms.Clickorlando · 19 Oct, 08:14
- Hungarian journalists feel the pressure lifting after Orbán’s defeatFormer Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's election defeat in April ended a 16-year rule marked by media control and restrictions on press freedoms.News4Jax · 19 Oct, 08:14
In this story: Viktor Orbán · Szabolcs Panyi · Péter Magyar · Hungary · Reporters Without Borders
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