Arrests Made Following Flag Incidents in Budapest Amid Controversial Israeli Visit
Police detain individuals for vandalizing flags as tensions rise surrounding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit.
On April 5, 2025, police in Budapest arrested two French men after they vandalized and threw 17 Israeli flags into the Danube River from the Széchenyi Chain Bridge.
The arrests occurred at approximately 4 a.m., just after the flags had been installed in honor of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Hungary.
Following the initial incident, police apprehended two Spanish men accused of vandalizing a Hungarian flag, also on the Chain Bridge, just one hour later.
The Budapest Police Headquarters, specifically the V. District Police, initiated investigations into charges of disorderly conduct, vandalism, and theft.
The two French nationals were caught by rapid response officers shortly after the flag incident and were taken to the V. District Police Station for questioning as suspects.
Subsequently, they were formally arrested, with proceedings begun for their detention.
The Spanish nationals involved were similarly questioned and detained under supported suspicions of disorderly conduct and vandalism.
The Israeli flags had been placed along the bridge to mark Netanyahu's arrival in Hungary.
Netanyahu's visit had been publicly announced, and he was welcomed by Hungary's Minister of Defense Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky and later held a joint press conference with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán at the Karmelita Monastery.
Netanyahu was scheduled to remain in Hungary through the end of the Sabbath on Sunday, as is customary for guests in accordance with Jewish law.
The incidents unfold in the context of rising political tensions, particularly noted after Hungary's recent announcement to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC) shortly before Netanyahu's visit.
The ICC had issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu concerning alleged war crimes related to actions in Gaza.
Israeli military operations in the region since October 2023 reportedly resulted in significant casualties, including women and children.
In response to Hungary's ICC withdrawal, Hamas issued a statement condemning the decision and calling for accountability related to Netanyahu's actions.
The organization characterized Hungary's stance as complicity with a war criminal and emphasized the implications for international law and justice.
The Hungarian government, represented by Orbán during the press conference, justified the decision to leave the ICC based on the belief that the institution had devolved into a politically motivated body.
This stance has garnered international scrutiny and criticism from various parties, including Hamas and other Palestinian entities.
During Netanyahu's visit, security for his protection is being handled by Hungary's Counter-Terrorism Centre (TEK), which is tasked with ensuring his safety, securing his locations, and overseeing his travel arrangements.
The arrests occurred at approximately 4 a.m., just after the flags had been installed in honor of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Hungary.
Following the initial incident, police apprehended two Spanish men accused of vandalizing a Hungarian flag, also on the Chain Bridge, just one hour later.
The Budapest Police Headquarters, specifically the V. District Police, initiated investigations into charges of disorderly conduct, vandalism, and theft.
The two French nationals were caught by rapid response officers shortly after the flag incident and were taken to the V. District Police Station for questioning as suspects.
Subsequently, they were formally arrested, with proceedings begun for their detention.
The Spanish nationals involved were similarly questioned and detained under supported suspicions of disorderly conduct and vandalism.
The Israeli flags had been placed along the bridge to mark Netanyahu's arrival in Hungary.
Netanyahu's visit had been publicly announced, and he was welcomed by Hungary's Minister of Defense Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky and later held a joint press conference with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán at the Karmelita Monastery.
Netanyahu was scheduled to remain in Hungary through the end of the Sabbath on Sunday, as is customary for guests in accordance with Jewish law.
The incidents unfold in the context of rising political tensions, particularly noted after Hungary's recent announcement to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC) shortly before Netanyahu's visit.
The ICC had issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu concerning alleged war crimes related to actions in Gaza.
Israeli military operations in the region since October 2023 reportedly resulted in significant casualties, including women and children.
In response to Hungary's ICC withdrawal, Hamas issued a statement condemning the decision and calling for accountability related to Netanyahu's actions.
The organization characterized Hungary's stance as complicity with a war criminal and emphasized the implications for international law and justice.
The Hungarian government, represented by Orbán during the press conference, justified the decision to leave the ICC based on the belief that the institution had devolved into a politically motivated body.
This stance has garnered international scrutiny and criticism from various parties, including Hamas and other Palestinian entities.
During Netanyahu's visit, security for his protection is being handled by Hungary's Counter-Terrorism Centre (TEK), which is tasked with ensuring his safety, securing his locations, and overseeing his travel arrangements.
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