US Condemns Recent Sovereignty Protection Office Actions

"The United States is deeply concerned by the Hungarian government’s implementation of the 'Defense of National Sovereignty Act,' including this week’s draconian actions by the recently established 'Sovereignty Protection Office' (SPO) to target the operations of civil society and independent media organizations," U.S. Department of State spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a press release.

On June 18th, the SPO formally notified Transparency International Hungary about “initiating a specific – and comprehensive – investigation” into their activities.

In a statement acknowledging the investigation Tranparency International said the law creating and enabling the office, "serves the intention of the government to intimidate citizens and civil organizations that are critical of the government, while it is disguised as allegedly protecting national sovereignty," adding, "this is against the Constitution of Hungary, as well as the fundamental values of the European Union."

"The Hungarian government’s attempt to harass, intimidate, and punish independent organizations runs counter to the principles of democratic governance rooted in the rule of law," the U.S. State Department's statement concurs. "This law places no limit on this entity’s ability to target the human rights and fundamental freedoms of its own citizens and puts at risk any country, business entity, or individual that chooses to engage with them."  

"The United States will continue to advocate for the protection of civil society organizations and media freedom in the face of these anti-democratic measures," the statement concludes.