Pál Völner may continue legal practice after disciplinary probe ends

The Budapest Bar Association has terminated a preliminary disciplinary investigation into Pál Völner, allowing the former deputy justice minister to continue his legal practice. The investigation was initiated by two individuals following a court ruling that found Völner had defamed the Hungarian Helsinki Committee in 2020 during his political tenure.

The disciplinary ombudsman ruled that the matter had reached the statute of limitations, as the three-year period for such offenses expired at the end of 2023. Additionally, the ombudsman noted that the statements in question were made in his capacity as a politician rather than during his professional legal activities.

Völner remains a defendant in the ongoing Schadl–Völner corruption case, which involves allegations of accepting bribes in exchange for influencing bailiff appointments. While the disciplinary probe has concluded, the criminal proceedings against him are still active, with prosecutors previously seeking an eight-year prison sentence and a permanent ban from legal practice.