Hungary urges EU to sanction Ukrainian officials over human rights issue

Hungary has called on the European Union to impose sanctions on Ukrainian officials it holds responsible for the death of a Hungarian citizen allegedly linked to forced military conscription in Ukraine’s Zakarpattia region.

The incident involves 45-year-old József Szébestien, a resident of the town of Berehovo, who reportedly died on July 6 after being taken to a military recruitment office in mid-June. According to Hungarian authorities, Szébestien was detained on the street by Ukrainian security forces, forcibly brought to a conscription office, and beaten after refusing to join the military. He later died in hospital from injuries, and was buried in his hometown three days after his death, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán wrote on Facebook that his government has asked the European Union to include those deemed responsible for Szébestien’s death on the EU’s human rights sanctions list. He also reiterated Hungary’s opposition to forced conscription in Ukraine.

The Hungarian Foreign Ministry summoned Ukraine’s ambassador to Budapest, Fyodor Sandor, on July 10 to request clarification regarding the case.

By Sabina Mammadli