Former Counter-Terrorism Centre chief denies unlawful detention charges in gold convoy case
The ex-TEK director claims there was a misunderstanding when Ukrainian money couriers were shackled, and has not admitted to the offence.
Former Counter-Terrorism Centre chief denies unlawful detention charges in gold convoy case
On 29 June, prosecutors in the capital charged the former head of the Counter-Terrorism Centre (TEK) with unlawful detention, according to a report by 444.
János Hajdu, who led the TEK until the end of May, was prosecuted in connection with events during the gold convoy operation. According to the investigating prosecutor's office, he ordered unlawful detention in seven cases, carried out in harsh conditions. The interrogation record of over twenty pages prepared with him came into the possession of 444.
The former lieutenant general stated that the story began in early March, when Örs Farkas, the state secretary, called him in for a discussion at the Interior Ministry building. This took place two days before TEK staff apprehended the Ukrainian money couriers.
During the interrogation, Hajdu claimed that a communication breakdown occurred among operational commanders when the detained individuals were shackled. According to him, he ordered that the shackles be worn solely during the periods between interrogations. He added that it is a principle in the organisation that both witnesses and suspects are questioned without shackles.
In contrast, the earlier testimony of two customs authority (NAV) leaders who participated in the operation suggests something different. One of them said they clearly asked the TEK staff to stop using the coercive measure, as shackles are not permitted for witnesses.
The former director appealed against the charge and denied having committed a violation of the law. At the conclusion of the interrogation, his mobile telephone was seized, but his personal freedom was not restricted.
Source: 444