A Hungarian authority tasked with defending the nation’s sovereignty against foreign influence has launched an investigation into the Hungarian branch of international anti-corruption organization Transparency International.
Transparency International Hungary said Tuesday it had received a six-page letter announcing the investigation from Hungary’s newly formed Sovereignty Protection Office, which has been condemned by rights groups as a means to stifle dissent.
The authority requested financial and operational information and said it had initiated “a specific and comprehensive investigation” into Transparency International Hungary’s activities. The group said it would comply but that it believes the office is unconstitutional.
The Sovereignty Protection Office sprung out of a law passed in December by the nationalist governing party of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. It has the power to gather information on any groups or individuals that benefit from foreign funding and influence public debate, and Hungary’s secret services can assist in its investigations.
