Mihály Filemon faces trial over canopy walk fraud allegations

A criminal trial has commenced in Debrecen against former Nyírmártonfalva mayor Mihály Filemon and a second defendant, H. J., regarding a controversial canopy walk project. The defendants face charges of attempted budgetary fraud causing significant financial loss and the use of forged private documents.

The case involves 63.89 million HUF in EU funding allocated for a canopy walk. Prosecutors allege that the defendants sought to obtain the full subsidy without intending to complete the project as described, falsely claiming the facility would serve its intended function. The project gained notoriety because the forest surrounding the planned walk was cleared during construction, leaving the structure without the intended canopy.

During the preparatory hearing, the prosecution proposed a plea deal involving a suspended 18-month prison sentence and fines. However, both defendants pleaded not guilty and declined to waive their right to a trial. The defense has requested an on-site inspection of the location. The proceedings are scheduled to continue in November with the hearing of witnesses and experts.