Hankó Balázs may spend Christmas behind bars

The Bács-Kiskun County Prosecutor's Office has requested a three-month extension of the detention for Hankó Balázs and others, allowing them to remain in custody until February 1. The reasons for detention remain unchanged, including serious criminal charges and risks of flight and influencing the proceedings. The Kecskemét Court upheld the detention of Hankó, a former minister, and Varga-Bajusz Veronika in a case involving over 17 billion HUF in National Cultural Fund grants. Hankó's lawyer stated that his family contact will not be restricted. The investigation concerns significant financial misconduct related to the misuse of funds under Hankó's direction. The Fidesz party insists that Hankó retains his parliamentary mandate during detention, raising questions about a representative's ability to fulfill duties from prison.