**Hungary’s Viktor Orban Calls for EU Action Over Ukraine Conscript Abuse**
In a recent interview, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has urged the European Union to take action against Ukraine’s conscription practices. The move comes after Budapest accused Ukrainian military personnel of beating and killing an ethnic Hungarian man who was forcibly conscripted into the army.
**A Case of Alleged Abuse**
The victim, 45-year-old Jozsef Sebestyen, was a dual citizen who lived in Ukraine’s Zakarpattia Oblast. Hungarian officials claim that he was taken by force from his home and beaten with an iron rod at a conscription office. They allege that he died three days later due to injuries sustained during the beating.
**Ukraine Denies Allegations**
However, Ukrainian authorities have denied these claims, stating that Sebestyen was lawfully conscripted into the military and passed a medical examination before being mobilized. According to Ukraine’s Land Forces Command, Sebestyen left his unit without authorization three days later and sought medical help due to an acute stress reaction. He died on July 6 of a pulmonary embolism.
**A Call for Action**
Orban has accused the EU of remaining silent about such incidents, despite advocating for Ukraine’s accession into the European Union. “You can’t make speeches about Ukraine’s suitability for European Union membership and the next day bury people who are beaten to death during forced conscription,” Orban said in an interview with Hungarian news outlet Origo.
**Ukraine’s Response**
The Ukrainian military has stressed its commitment to upholding human rights and the law, urging foreign officials and media outlets not to spread unverified or emotional claims that could fuel disinformation. They have also invited a transparent review of the incident within the framework of Ukrainian law.
**A Complicated Relationship**
Hungary’s relationship with Ukraine has long been complicated, with Orban frequently obstructing EU sanctions against Russia and blocking support for Kyiv. This latest move is likely to escalate tensions between the two countries.
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