Hungarian committee to summon Novák, Balog, and Varga over pardon scandal

A Hungarian parliamentary investigative committee has announced plans to summon former President Katalin Novák, former Justice Minister Judit Varga, and former Minister and Bishop Zoltán Balog regarding a controversial pardon. The inquiry focuses on the decision to grant clemency to Endre K., a former deputy director of a children's home, who had been convicted of attempting to influence a witness in a sexual abuse case.

Committee Chair Orsolya Schummer stated that the investigation aims to uncover the role of the Sándor Palace, the Ministry of Justice, and potential political or religious intermediaries in the decision-making process. The committee seeks to establish what institutional safeguards are necessary to prevent opaque political decisions in child protection matters. While the committee is not tasked with reopening the criminal case itself, it has the authority to compel testimony through fines or police escort.

Documents will be requested from the Ministry of Justice, the Sándor Palace, the Budapest Municipality, and relevant guardianship authorities. The investigation may also extend to former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán if documents suggest his involvement in the decision-making chain.