Unlimited pre-trial detention is declared unconstitutional
In a judgment published this week, the Constitutional Court of Hungary ruled that the provision of the Code of Criminal Procedure that allows for unlimited pre-trial detention pending a first instance judgment is unconstitutional. The decision comes six years after the Ombudsperson asked for a constitutional review based on a request by the Hungarian Helsinki Committee and the Eötvös Károly Institute.
Update by the HHC on the execution of the European Court of Human Rights’ judgment in the Varga and Others v. Hungary case
The European Court of Human Rights established in 2015 that overcrowding in penitentiaries in Hungary constitutes a structural problem. The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe examines the Varga and Others v. Hungary under the enhanced procedure.
HHC submission to the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association
After the Hungarian government declared a state of danger due to the pandemic in March 2020, one of the first extraordinary measures adopted was a blanket ban of all kinds of gatherings, demonstrations and assemblies, excluding the possibility of considering the individual circumstances of each case.
Firm steps are needed to tackle police violence
Hungary has to change its laws and practice in many respects in order to prevent, investigate and sanction police ill-treatment more effectively, shows a decision published today by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.
Information update on overcrowding and prison conditions
Information update by the HHC on the execution of the European Court of Human Rights' judgment in the Varga and Others v. Hungary case
The Hungarian assembly law needs stronger guarantees
The Hungarian state failed to remedy the legislative deficiencies that have led to the breach of the right to peaceful assembly on several occasions in the past.
Research paper on the new Hungarian assembly law as applied in practice
The new Hungarian assembly law, adopted in 2018, provides an opportunity for the police to impose undue restrictions on the right to peaceful assembly. Although courts seek to preserve the level of judicial protection of this fundamental right, in several cases, administrative requirements deprive organisers from the possibility of substantive judicial review.
Psychosocial dynamics conducive to torture and ill-treatment
The HHC provided input for the upcoming report of the Special Rapporteur on Torture on psychosocial dynamics conducive to torture and ill-treatment.
New changes in the Hungarian criminal procedure due to COVID-19
Information note by the Hungarian Helsinki Committee on the rules applicable as of 1 June 2020
The situation in Hungarian prisons in light of COVID-19
Information update
