A Hungarian investigative journalist accused of espionage has claimed the country’s intelligence services monitored his private communications after he began examining foreign minister Péter Szijjártó’s contacts with Russian officials. Szabolcs Panyi, who has reported extensively on Russian influence in Hungary, stated surveillance intensified when authorities discovered his investigation into the minister’s alleged use of a separate phone for correspondence with Moscow.
Criminal complaint and surveillance allegations
The government of Viktor Orbán filed a criminal complaint against Mr Panyi this week, accusing him of spying and conspiring with Ukrainian intelligence services. The complaint alleges he passed confidential information about Mr Szijjártó to foreign actors. Prosecutors must now decide whether to open a formal investigation. Mr Panyi said Hungarian spies “hunted” him following the espionage allegations, listening to his private conversations.
Investigation into foreign minister’s communications
According to the journalist, pressure increased substantially when the authorities learned he was investigating Mr Szijjártó’s correspondence with Russian officials, including the suspected use of a dedicated telephone. Mr Panyi first reported on secret negotiations between the Hungarian foreign minister and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov. He suggested this separate communication channel facilitated discussions away from official diplomatic channels.
European intelligence awareness of contacts
Mr Panyi asserted that regular correspondence between Mr Szijjártó and Mr Lavrov was an “open secret” among European intelligence agencies. He claimed multiple intelligence services tracked these exchanges, but European Union governments took no action. The journalist expressed frustration that despite having evidence of what he described as “almost criminal” activity, EU institutions allowed the situation to continue without intervention.
Criticism of European Union inaction
“I feel betrayed by the EU… by how they allowed Orbán to build his own little Russia,” Mr Panyi stated. He added that on this occasion, “they had evidence that something almost criminal was happening, and they did nothing. As a Hungarian journalist and citizen, I made it my goal to bring this to light.” The reporter’s comments highlight growing concerns about Budapest’s alignment with Moscow amid broader European tensions with Russia.
Legal proceedings and professional consequences
The criminal complaint places Mr Panyi in a precarious legal position as prosecutors consider whether to pursue charges. If an investigation proceeds, he could face serious consequences under Hungary’s national security laws. The case has drawn attention to press freedom concerns in Hungary, where critics argue the government uses legal mechanisms to pressure independent journalists investigating sensitive political matters.
