Hungary Probes Ex-Minister Over Russia Ties

The Hungarian government has begun an investigation into contacts made by former foreign minister Peter Siedler with Russia.

Consensus

Hungary has initiated an investigation into former Foreign Minister Peter Szijjartó's contacts with Russia.
The investigation was announced by Prime Minister Peter Madjár.
Szijjartó resigned from his parliamentary seat on July 15.
Szijjartó has joined the Chinese electric vehicle company BYD in a senior international relations role.
The investigation involves secret documents from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Madjár stated that information will be released when available.
Szijjartó denied allegations of double-dealing and expressed no regret over his pro-Russia policies.
The new government, led by Madjár's party, won the April 12 parliamentary elections.

The investigation was prompted by a Washington Post report and subsequent investigative journalism revealing the nature of contacts between Szijjartó and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. — vedomosti
Hungary is closing its doors to Russia, according to Defense Minister Romulus Rusin-Szendi. — vm
The investigation may involve recordings of Szijjartó speaking with Lavrov about EU sanctions and meetings, which could indicate treason. — fontanka
Mass dismissals of staff from the Hungarian Foreign Ministry occurred after Szijjartó’s tenure. — vesti
Szijjartó maintained energy cooperation with Russia and defended his foreign policy as not being a double game. — m24