Rhythmic gymnastics abuse case: Budapest Police investigating child endangerment
Police are investigating suspected child endangerment in rhythmic gymnastics, according to reports by Google News HU — Crime.
Police investigation launched in rhythmic gymnastics
According to a Magyar Hang report carried by Google News HU — Crime, criminal proceedings are under way not only in figure skating but also in rhythmic gymnastics: the Budapest Police Headquarters (BRFK) is investigating on suspicion of the offence of child endangerment.
The police responded in writing to the newspaper's inquiry: "The BRFK is conducting an investigation on suspicion of the offence of child endangerment. As of our response, no suspect interrogations have taken place. Further information cannot be provided in view of the interests of the ongoing proceedings." According to information from Magyar Hang, based on a complaint, witnesses — former athletes and parents — have been questioned since the end of May.
The case has a history in the public domain. Previously, Radio Free Europe, followed by Telex.hu and Népszava, covered the case in which multiple former athletes accused Fidesz MEP Tamás Deutsch's wife, Erika Deutsch-Lazsányi, of physical and psychological abuse.
The Hungarian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation previously stated that "no reports concerning the protection and safety of athletes and coaches have been received by our federation and the Hungarian Gymnastics Federation (MATSZ) in the past ten years." In parallel, the Gymnastics Ethics Foundation (GEF) — an independent body established to protect athletes in gymnastics — contacted the Hungarian Gymnastics Federation and the Hungarian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation in April 2025 with questions, and in July initiated a comprehensive fact-finding investigation. This investigation is currently ongoing.
In the figure skating case, the prosecution has meanwhile brought charges: a bill of indictment was filed against European champion figure skater and coach Júlia Gór-Sebestyén for the offence of child endangerment, on the grounds of physical and psychological abuse applied to her pupils.
Source: Google News HU — Crime (hu)