In a controversial move, police in Budapest carried out a house search on a supporter of the Hungarian Two-tailed Dog Party after reports emerged of stencil graffiti appearing on pavements across Budapest's first district.

Authorities seized a can of spray paint that had been allegedly used to stencil distances to Lázár János's hunting lodge, sparking debates over freedom of expression and police conduct.

The activist, identified as a sympathizer of Hungary's satirical opposition party, was detained by police over the weekend.

The Hungarian Two-tailed Dog Party (MKKP) announced the incident on Facebook, emphasizing their commitment to free political expression.

The party criticized what they described as the disproportionate response from authorities, noting that 'while there are far more serious crimes occurring in the country, using the police either consciously or unconsciously against us is outrageous and frightening.'

According to the Budapest Police Headquarters (BRFK), the actions in question constitute vandalism.

They released a statement to the news outlet Telex, stating that the first district police department is investigating the case on suspicion of criminal damage, following graffiti applied with spray paint on multiple spots across the district as of January 10, 2025.

The investigation culminated in a search of a residence in the eighth district on January 11, leading to the seizure of a spray can and the questioning of a woman on suspicion of vandalism.

The incident's backdrop traces to December 27, a day noted as Lázár and János day in Hungarian tradition, when activists from the MKKP used street art to highlight the location of properties linked to Lázár János, a prominent government minister and part-owner of companies owning the controversial Batida hunting lodge.

This particular lodge has been the subject of scrutiny due to a high-value state-funded infrastructure project connecting it to the M43 highway.

Adding another layer to the controversy, a local publication recently published details about the incident, including names, photos, and other personal information about the activist involved, who is reported to work for MÁV, the national railway company under the ministerial direction of Lázár János himself.

The publication's detailed account included references to the activist's employment history and salary, coupling this with a critique of the individual's political activism.

In response, Lázár János, the minister of construction and transport, addressed concerns regarding the ethical implications of such political expressions for MÁV employees.

He pointed out that this form of activism stands in contrast to the ethical norms and practices sustained within the MÁV group, although he asserted that he requested that no disciplinary actions, such as termination, be taken against the employee involved.

This case has stirred discussions on political expression and civil liberties in Hungary, putting a spotlight on the intersection of political satire, public infrastructure, and the use of law enforcement in civil protests.