The data protection authority recently fined the Scientology organisation 40 million forints (EUR 130,000) for abuse of personal data. Subsequently, the authorities carried out another search of the premises. Szilárd Németh, Fidesz’s deputy group leader, accused Zsolt Molnár, the Socialist MP in question, of failing to refuse the request.

The organisation asked Molnár to “review the procedure” against it and make sure the authorities “exercise impartiality”, the Fidesz politician told a press briefing on Thursday. Németh said it was “surprising” that opposition politicians, including Molnár, had stood up for the church in the past.

The committee cannot take over the role of an investigating authority, he said. He accused the Socialists of taking sides with a “dubious religious organisation” instead of serving Hungarian interests.

Meanwhile, Németh said the committee was also briefed about the investigation into a forged video tape made in 2013 with an alleged view to incriminating Fidesz in the local election in Baja, southern Hungary.

Gusztáv Kőrös, a former member of leftist Democratic Coalition, has been implicated, he said. Commenting on reports linking Arton Capital, a company dealing in residency bonds, to corruption, Németh said that the allegations in the press were completely unfounded.

The opposition is trying to turn everything into a scandal, he said. Commenting on developments in Iraq, where Hungarian troops are stationed in Erbil, in the north of the country, Németh said measures taken to ensure their safety were reassuring.

MTI photo: Bruzák Noémi

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