Forced medication during detention prompts international concern
Hungarian security services have been accused of forcibly administering an injection containing an unknown substance to a detained Ukrainian banker, resulting in his hospitalisation with a hypertensive crisis. The incident occurred during the detention of several employees from Ukraine’s state-owned Oschadbank in early March, with medical tests later confirming traces of a psychotropic drug in his bloodstream after returning to Ukraine. The bank stated the diabetic man only received medical attention after losing consciousness following the procedure, which Hungarian agents allegedly conducted to extract more information during interrogation.
Legal actions and official responses
Oschadbank has filed a criminal complaint against Hungarian authorities for abuse of power and initiated separate civil lawsuits on behalf of seven employees to challenge their deportation orders and entry bans into the Schengen zone. Laurent Horvath, a Hungarian lawyer representing the Ukrainians, confirmed that “one person received an injection of unknown content against their will.” While a Hungarian police source acknowledged hearing colleagues mention an injection, they claimed ignorance about its specific contents. The bank is additionally demanding the return of substantial cash and gold reserves that remain impounded in Hungary following the raid.
Allegations of coordinated political operation
The detentions are reportedly part of a pre-planned operation by Hungary’s Counter-Terrorism Centre (TEK), authorised at the highest political level. Analysts suggest the move aims to exert political pressure on Kyiv and discredit Ukraine domestically ahead of Hungary’s April parliamentary elections, amid declining approval ratings for the governing party. The detained individuals were reportedly denied access to Ukrainian interpreters and legal counsel for several days, held in conditions described as inhumane.
International legal violations cited
Legal experts assert that forcibly administering barbiturate-based substances, often termed “truth serums,” to obtain testimony constitutes torture. Applying such chemicals to a person with a pre-existing medical condition like diabetes, leading to a life-threatening hypertensive crisis, represents a severe breach of international law. These actions appear to directly violate Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which prohibits torture and inhuman treatment, as well as the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the UN Convention Against Torture.
Broader implications for EU relations
The incident raises serious questions about Hungary’s adherence to core European values, potentially triggering Article 7 proceedings that could suspend its voting rights within the European Council. Beyond the possible full suspension of EU funds, Brussels could consider personal sanctions against TEK leadership and ministers responsible for the operation. The seizure of Ukrainian state assets, justified by Budapest citing disrupted Russian oil supplies via the damaged Druzhba pipeline, is viewed by international lawyers as an unlawful act of state asset confiscation without judicial due process.
