Justice and the freedom of information
To what extent can national security interests and political power dynamics encroach upon fundamental human rights, such as freedom of information and freedom of speech?
refugee family in the transit zone
Transit zones in Hungary were closed border facilities where asylum seekers were confined while their applications were processed, without the ability to freely enter the country. Established in 2015 at the Serbian-Hungarian border, they functioned as heavily controlled, prison-like spaces that effectively detained people, including families and children. Human rights organizations criticized them for violating EU and international law by denying proper legal safeguards, access to asylum, and humane conditions. In 2020, the European Court of Justice ruled the practice unlawful, leading to their closure.
Rule of Law Mechanism
A rule of law mechanism is a system used to monitor and enforce compliance with core democratic principles, such as judicial independence, media freedom, and the separation of powers. In the European Union, it serves to assess whether member states uphold these values, identifying potential threats like corruption or political interference in the courts. If serious violations are found, the mechanism can lead to consequences, including the suspension of EU funds or other sanctions. Its goal is to protect democratic standards and prevent the erosion of fundamental rights.
A.I. and the digitalisation of the Justice sytem
While AI can increase efficiency, reduce workloads, and improve access to legal information, it also raises significant concerns about transparency, accountability, bias, and fairness—especially when used in areas like sentencing recommendations or risk assessments. The challenge lies in ensuring that these technologies support, rather than undermine, fundamental rights and the principles of due process.
prisoner denied temporary leave to visit his dying wife to say goodbye
An incarcerated individual, a 73-year-old grandfather who previously worked at a national tax and customs administration, was serving a sentence for fraud when he learned in October 2023 that his wife had suffered a stroke. His wife sadly passed away by the end of last year. For over a year, he repeatedly requested permission to visit her, holding onto hope for a final farewell, but the prison authorities denied these requests.
Freedom of speech is foreclosed
The Hungarian government's 2025 "transparency" law has sparked alarm for being a powerful tool to silence independent voices under the guise of accountability. Framed as a measure to protect national sovereignty, the law targets NGOs, journalists, media outlets, and even private companies that receive foreign funding, forcing them to register, disclose assets, and face punitive fines or bans if deemed to be "influencing public life."
pushbacks
Pushbacks refer to the illegal practice of forcibly returning asylum seekers and migrants across the border—mainly to Serbia—without allowing them to apply for asylum or have their case individually assessed. Often carried out violently and without due process, these pushbacks violate international and EU law, including the principle of non-refoulement. Despite multiple court rulings condemning the practice, Hungary has continued to use pushbacks as a core element of its border control policy.