Public media condemns death threats against M1 reporter at Tisza party event

The MTVA has strongly condemned threats and physical aggression directed at M1 journalist Attila Császár during the Tisza Party’s event in Kötcse on September 7. In a statement released Monday, the broadcaster reported that supporters of the party issued death threats against the award-winning reporter, urging violence against him in public.

According to the statement, the threats escalated into a physical altercation when a mother of three intervened in defence of the journalist. While holding her infant, she and her family were harassed by party supporters until police restored order.

MTVA stressed that such behaviour represents an attack not only on individual rights but also on the foundations of democratic debate. “We firmly reject any attempt to silence our colleagues through violence, intimidation, or life-threatening threats,” the statement read.

The organisation reaffirmed its full support for Császár, recipient of the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of Hungary and the Good Pen Journalist Award, and announced that all necessary legal steps will be taken to ensure accountability.

MTVA also urged national media associations and professional bodies to express solidarity with the threatened reporter in defence of press freedom, emphasising that its staff must be able to carry out their duties in safety under all circumstances.