Former Momentum MEP suspected of ‘group violence against an official’

The case concerns a criminal investigation under which tax authority NAV’s officers conducted a search on suspected large-scale budgetary fraud at Budapest-based Oltalom charity organisation’s premises in February 2022. Donath and Socialist MEP Zita Gurmai were believed to have made unauthorised entry to the premises “to prevent NAV officers from conducting their lawful procedure”. The two politicians “stopped their action only when police officers arrived at the scene”, the prosecutor’s office said earlier.

According to the investigation, protesters at the site “climbed into the building through windows, while Donath and others entered through a back door”. Customs officers at the premises “formed a chain to secure the site” while Oltalom head Gabor Ivanyi “called on those present to push him towards the line and break through”. Donath was “pushing him against the officers with both hands from behind,” the statement said.

Donath pleaded not guilty and filed a complaint against the accusations.

The five suspects in the case include Ivanyi and Gurmai.