The allegation claims that Panyi collaborated with a foreign state against Hungary — an accusation that is highly unusual within a European Union member state and one that has raised serious concerns among advocates of press freedom.

Panyi responded publicly on his Facebook page, rejecting the claims as entirely unfounded. He described the use of espionage accusations against investigative journalists as something without precedent in contemporary Europe, more typically associated with authoritarian systems such as those in Russia or Belarus.

In his statement, Panyi explained that he has spent more than a decade documenting the influence of Russian intelligence within Hungarian political life.

He noted that while the Hungarian government’s actions increasingly align with those of the Kremlin, he continues to place his trust in Hungary’s judicial system to apply national law rather than mirror Russian legal practices.

He also made clear that his work has never involved espionage. Instead, he characterises his investigations as a form of “journalistic counterintelligence”, focused on uncovering efforts by foreign actors to influence Hungary’s domestic political affairs.

Since 2023, his reporting has examined potential legal irregularities in interactions between Péter Szijjártó, Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Russian officials, including Sergey Lavrov.

Panyi added that recordings published by Mandiner had been significantly edited. According to him, key sections were omitted — particularly those in which he raised the possibility that certain political exchanges could involve intelligence-gathering activities beneficial to Russia.

In response to the government’s accusations, Panyi has also appealed to the public for assistance.

He is seeking information related to the possible transport of cash or valuables on government or private aircraft used by Hungarian officials, as well as details about how such shipments may have been handled at Budapest Airport’s small aircraft terminal.

In his post, he invited anyone with relevant information to contact him via a secure email channel, stressing that legal pressure will not deter him from continuing his work to hold those in power accountable.

The government’s move follows the release of a leaked recording published by Mandiner, which prompted both political and public reaction.

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and other officials, including Gulyás, have framed the case as part of a broader espionage issue affecting Hungary, involving the Tisza Party as well as foreign intelligence actors, according to reporting by Telex.

Panyi, along with other observers, has pointed out that the allegations are emerging in a politically sensitive period ahead of upcoming elections.

He maintains that his role has been strictly journalistic throughout, focused on gathering and verifying information related to possible irregularities in foreign influence on Hungary’s government operations.

MTI Stock Photo - for illustrative purposes only

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