György Fürst and his accomplices, all former Socialist and Free Democrat deputies, were charged with selling the properties at an artificially low price and causing damages of 350 million forints (EUR 1.1m) to the district.

The prison terms range between 18 months and 2 years, while the court also fined Furst 70 million forints (EUR 227,000).

All defendants pleaded not guilty, insisting the lawsuit was politically motivated. Three defendants, including the mayor of the district, have died since the suit was filed five years ago.

Republished with permission of Hungary Matters, MTI’s daily newsletter.