Hungary's Orbán accuses investigative journalist of espionage over Russia investigation

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán publicly accused investigative journalist Szabolcs Panyi of espionage after Panyi's reporting at VSquare and Direkt36 investigated alleged ties between Hungary's political leadership and Russian state actors. Panyi, who leads Central European investigations for VSquare, has faced threats and legal accusations following the publication of his findings. The accusation marks an escalation in pressure on independent media in Hungary and reflects tensions over Hungary's relationship with Russia amid broader European security concerns. The case exemplifies ongoing challenges for investigative journalism in Central Europe under Orbán's government.