
BRUSSELS (ANP) – The European Commission warns that the deterrent effect against human traffickers has diminished as they are no longer facing incarceration.
In April 2023, Hungary enacted a controversial decree allowing individuals convicted of human trafficking to be released from prison after serving only a fraction of their sentences. These individuals are required to leave the country within three days and will serve what is termed ‘reintegration detention’ in their home countries, although the enforcement of this requirement is uncertain.
The Hungarian government justified this measure by arguing that it was a response to a lack of financial support from Brussels for border control. With prison overcrowding becoming an issue, officials noted that they had no choice but to release over 1,400 foreign nationals convicted of human trafficking in April 2023.
This decision has caused significant frustration within the European Commission and neighboring Austria. Despite repeated calls from the Commission urging Hungary to rescind the measure, the Hungarian government has not complied.
(May 7, 2025)













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