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Bíró Ferenc az Integritás Hatóság vezetője . Vannak vádak ellene, például pénzügyi bűncselekményekről . Drago Kos, a korrupcióellenes szakértő, támogatja Bírót. Szerinte a vezetők kriminalizálása rombolja a társadalmat . Bíró tagadja a vádakat és hangsúlyozza az önállóság fontosságát. Kos nemzetközi támogatást kér Bírónak.
Translation
Ferenc Bíró is the head of the Integrity Authority. He faces accusations, such as financial crimes. Drago Kos, an anti-corruption expert, supports Bíró. He believes that criminalising leaders damages society. Bíró denies the accusations and emphasises the importance of independence. Kos seeks international support for Bíró.
Exercise: Text comprehension
Question 1: Who supports Bíró Ferenc against the accusations?
Drago Kos supports Bíró Ferenc against the accusations.
Question 2: What does Bíró Ferenc emphasize regarding his position?
Bíró Ferenc emphasizes the importance of independence.
Exercise: Vocabulary
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▌27/01/2025
The leader of Hungary's Integrity Authority, Bíró Ferenc, has found an unexpected supporter in Drago Kos, former head of the OECD Working Group on Bribery. Kos is publicly opposing the criminal charges brought against Bíró, which include accusations of significant embezzlement and misconduct.
According to official reports from the Central Chief Prosecution Office, Bíró Ferenc was questioned earlier this year in connection to allegations of using the Authority's resources for personal purposes. In particular, it is claimed that his partner used a car rented by the Authority, inflicting a financial loss of around 14 million forints. Bíró dismissed these claims as unfounded, arguing that he has been personally targeted in the investigation. Furthermore, he clarified that the use of the car by his partner was legal within the context of his official status.
In the face of these claims, Drago Kos expressed profound disappointment, stating that the criminalization of leaders of corruption-fighting bodies could have detrimental effects on society. He reiterated his respect for Bíró, whom he described as an honest and committed professional. Kos also acknowledged Bíró's achievements in establishing an effective agency within just two years—an accomplishment he believes commands respect.
OECD Expert Defends Hungarian Integrity Authority Leader (Illustration)
Moreover, Drago Kos called for international support for Bíró from leaders of anti-corruption institutions and activists worldwide. He emphasized that maintaining strong leadership in the fight against corruption is vital and that standing in solidarity with those wrongfully accused is essential for the integrity of such organizations.
This development comes amidst broader scrutiny of the Integrity Authority, with previous concerns having emerged about its activities. However, Bíró has remained steadfast, emphasizing that the Authority operates independently and that he aims to steer clear of political entanglements.
The situation has sparked discussions around the motives and implications of the charges against Bíró, as well as the broader challenges faced by anti-corruption bodies in a politically charged environment.
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