Documents in boxes, dry and cold, that will never be made public

The State Security Services Historical Archives (ÁBTL) recently opened its doors to the public, showcasing the conditions under which sensitive documents are stored. Despite partial releases of agent files, a significant portion remains undisclosed. The archives contain records from the communist era, many of which are deteriorating due to poor preservation practices. The head of the archives highlighted the importance of maintaining these documents, as they are frequently accessed for research. Discussions during the open day addressed the media's role in publicizing the archives and the historical context of document access. Experts debated the potential impact of earlier disclosures on public trust and political accountability.