The Budapest Chief Prosecutor’s Office has reported a violent racist attack, charging two Hungarian citizens after one of them nearly killed an African man for walking hand-in-hand with his Hungarian girlfriend. The other stood by and watched without intervening.

The perpetrator insulted the Hungarian woman for having an African boyfriend

The incident took place in the early hours of a July night in 2023 in Erzsébetváros, Budapest’s 7th district: an area known for its diversity and welcoming atmosphere. The district is home to many foreigners and popular among international tourists staying in hotels or Airbnb accommodations.

The African man and his partner were walking peacefully when they caught the attention of a 43-year-old man and his 31-year-old friend. The older man began to verbally abuse the couple, especially the woman, using obscene language to express his outrage over her visibly African boyfriend.

What could have remained an offensive but non-violent confrontation escalated when the attacker turned physical.

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The woman was pushed, leaving her with bruises. The attacker and his accomplice began to walk away, but the African man, driven by a sense of justice and concern for his girlfriend, followed them and demanded an explanation in English. The shouting continued, even as the injured woman and the 31-year-old friend tried to defuse the situation.

African man nearly killed

That’s when tragedy struck. At one point during the confrontation, the 43-year-old man stepped back and delivered a powerful punch to the African man, who fell backwards, striking his head on the pavement and losing consciousness. Paramedics treated the victim for life-threatening injuries, while both suspects left the scene without offering any assistance.

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The Budapest Chief Prosecutor’s Office has charged the 43-year-old man with causing life-threatening bodily harm, committing a hate crime, and misdemeanour assault. Prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence.

His friend is charged as an accomplice in the hate crime and with failure to provide assistance. Prosecutors argue that he supported the racist attack through his presence and attitude, and failed to help the severely injured man. However, they are recommending a monetary fine in his case.

Read more from us on criminal cases HERE.

Featured image: illustration. Source: depositphotos.com

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