Balázs Hankó can remain in pre-trial detention for another three months, thus until Christmas.

The prosecution has requested an extension of the detention of suspects in the NKA case until February 1, which means former cultural minister Balázs Hankó and former state secretary Veronika Varga-Bajusz may spend Christmas in pre-trial detention. The Kecskemét District Court recently extended the detention of Balázs Bús for two months, ensuring he remains in custody until December 25. The prosecution justified the request by citing the serious nature of the alleged crimes and the ongoing risk of flight and obstruction of justice. Hankó is accused of misusing his authority to distribute over 17.3 billion HUF, allegedly funding election campaigns for Fidesz candidates and awarding large sums to Fidesz-affiliated artists without proper applications. His lawyer claims Hankó has provided a detailed defense denying the allegations and asserting compliance with laws and government decisions.