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Plenary report

REPORT on the request for the waiver of the immunity of Klára Dobrev

A-10-2026-0190

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Parliament decided not to waive the immunity of Klára Dobrev, a Member of the European Parliament, in connection with defamation proceedings brought against her in Hungary. The request concerned statements made during an online press conference about state-funded training for paedophile priests, which the private prosecuting party considered defamatory. Parliament found that the proceedings appear politically motivated, aiming to damage her political activity, and therefore assumed fumus persecutionis.

Committee position. The Committee on Legal Affairs proposes that Parliament decide not to waive the immunity of Klára Dobrev.

Key points

  1. Parliament decided not to waive the immunity of Klára Dobrev.
  2. The request was submitted by the Budapest II and III District Court in Hungary on 5 December 2025 in connection with criminal proceedings for defamation brought by a private prosecuting party.
  3. The alleged offence occurred on 3 October 2023 during an online press conference, and the complaint was filed on 4 November 2025 by Hungary's Ministry of Culture and Innovation, represented by the then Minister Dr Balázs Zoltán Hankó.
  4. The alleged offence is defamation before the public at large under Article 226(1) and (2)(b) of the Hungarian Criminal Code, punishable only by private motion.
  5. The alleged offence does not relate to an opinion expressed or vote cast in the performance of her duties under Article 8 of Protocol No 7, so that immunity does not apply.
  6. Under Hungarian law, members of parliament enjoy immunity, and criminal proceedings may be initiated only with prior consent of the Hungarian Parliament.
  7. Parliament noted that Klára Dobrev was a prominent critic of the former Hungarian Government, and the private prosecuting party was part of that government.
  8. The choice of criminal over civil law, the timing, context and nature of the prosecution raise serious doubts about political motivation.
  9. Parliament assumed fumus persecutionis, meaning the intention is to damage her political activity and Parliament's independence.
  10. Parliament cannot assume the role of a court, and in a waiver procedure the Member cannot be regarded as a defendant.

Who is affected

  • Klára Dobrev, Member of the European Parliament elected in Hungary, whose immunity is not waived.
  • The competent authority in Hungary, which will receive the decision and report.

Legal basis: Articles 8 and 9 of Protocol No 7 on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union, Article 6(2) of the Act of 20 September 1976, Article 4(2) of the Fundamental Law of Hungary