Park case: five politicians to remain in custody, Fidesz MP released
In the two-billion-forint corruption case, the detention of five suspects would be extended, whilst a sixth accused, Péter Puskás, had his restraint order lifted.
Park case: five politicians to remain in custody, Fidesz MP released
The Central Prosecution Office requested that the detention of five defendants be maintained in the high-profile corruption proceedings that centred on municipal green space maintenance and catering contracts. By contrast, a sixth person involved, Péter Puskás, the head of Fidesz in Óbuda, was released from custody as the authorities deemed continued detention unjustified.
The names of the six detained politicians became known in early June: the current mayor of the II. district, Gergely Őrsi; his predecessor, Zsolt Láng; a former Socialist parliamentary representative, Zsolt Molnár; the aforementioned Péter Puskás; as well as Károly Matisz and Tünde Szkaliczki from Momentum. The prosecution extended the investigation deadline to the months following the vote at the end of last year.
According to the charge, a green space maintenance contractor regularly paid millions to public officials in order to preserve his interests' municipal contracts and negotiate better terms. Similarly, the head of a school catering company group offered money to officials for the retention of contracts.
The prosecution office informed the suspects of the charges, which include official bribery, abuse of influence, abuse of office, and the purchase of power.
Source: 444