Budapest Braces for Potential Unrest: Police Increase Security Following 2023 Attacks
The Budapest Police Headquarters (BRFK) is bolstering security measures across the capital in anticipation of potential demonstrations, following a series of violent attacks in 2023. Increased police presence will be maintained for several days, with heightened controls in effect until 8:00 PM on Sunday, authorities announced Thursday. The move comes as officials seek to prevent a recurrence of the anti-fascist motivated assaults that shook the city three years ago.
Remembering the 2023 Attacks
In February 2023, Budapest experienced a wave of coordinated attacks targeting individuals in public spaces. The initial incident, occurring on February 9th in Fővám Square, involved a group of seven to eight individuals assaulting three Polish citizens, running them over and then attacking them with weapons. Two of the victims sustained serious injuries.
The violence continued the following day, with a Hungarian man attacked from behind and, later that evening, a Hungarian couple on Bank Street and a German couple in District I also becoming victims. Investigations revealed a disturbing pattern: attackers were actively following victims, sometimes utilizing public transportation to track their movements.
Legal Proceedings and Initial Convictions
The ensuing investigation led to several arrests and legal proceedings. While some defendants, including Ilaria Salis, asserted their innocence and had their cases suspended or transferred, others faced swift justice. A German man involved in the attacks admitted guilt and was initially sentenced to three years in prison and a five-year expulsion from Hungary by the Metropolitan Court. However, this sentence was later reduced to one year and ten months following appeals from both the prosecution and the defense.
Ongoing Cases and Continued Vigilance
As of February 2026, the legal fallout from the 2023 attacks continues. While some defendants have received final verdicts, proceedings against Ilaria Salis remain suspended due to parliamentary immunity, and others are being pursued in their home countries. Currently, only German citizen Maja Trux remains on trial in Hungary.
Police Response and Public Safety
In light of these past events, the BRFK is taking proactive steps to ensure public safety. “We will not allow extremist groups to attack anyone!” a police spokesperson stated. Authorities are collaborating with both domestic and foreign intelligence agencies to monitor potential threats.
The BRFK has also issued specific guidelines for individuals participating in public gatherings. These include instructions to follow the directions of event organizers, refrain from covering faces with masks, and avoid carrying potentially dangerous items such as knives, sticks, pepper spray, or pyrotechnics. Participants are urged to express their opinions peacefully and to contact organizers or police if they require assistance.
The BRFK emphasized its commitment to upholding the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression within the bounds of the law. This increased security posture underscores the authorities’ determination to prevent a repeat of the 2023 violence and maintain order in the Hungarian capital.
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