The public importance of the incident is shown by the fact that
Public opinion was shaken by the police killing – Hungarians expect strict action
In recent days, the killing of a young police officer in Budapest while on duty has caused a considerable stir in the Hungarian public discourse. His assailant, who had previously been convicted of violent crimes, stabbed him to death. The drug test showed the presence of drugs in the body of the suspect of the police killing. In connection with the tragic case, Századvég examined the Hungarian adult population's view of the prosecution of the perpetrators of violent crimes.
Public opinion was shaken by the police killing
97 percent of the respondents have heard that a police officer was the victim of stabbing in the capital on the evening of 12 January, while on duty.
The Hungarian legal system provides increased criminal protection for public officials, including police officers, in order to ensure the smooth functioning of the state. However, research data show that the vast majority expect the legislator to take stronger action in this area than is currently the case.
Ninety-three percent of Hungarians agreed with the statement that stricter action should be taken against those who commit violent crimes against an official.
The population would punish offenders who claim to be under the influence of drugs more severely
The survey also highlights that, according to Hungarians, being under the influence of drugs cannot be an excuse for committing violent acts.
More than four-fifths (81 percent) of the respondents said that those who claim to be under the influence of drugs in the case of violent crimes and murders should be punished more severely.
In addition,
more than two-thirds (68 percent) of Hungarians would eliminate the possibility for perpetrators of murder to apply for lighter punishment on the grounds of their state of mind.
Methodology
CATI method, n=1000, among the Hungarian adult population, data collection: January 2023