Report from Hungary

This chapter discusses third parties in the Hungarian criminal proceedings, focusing on formal participants and specific categories such as financially interested parties, other interested parties, aides, authorized representatives, supporters, and vulnerable persons. The Hungarian criminal justice proceedings, governed by Act XC of 2017 on the Criminal Procedure, involve various participants. Financially interested parties are those with ownership or legitimate access to properties subject to confiscation or seizure. Other interested parties, defined in 58, include individuals or entities whose rights or legal interests are affected by criminal procedure decisions. Aides, authorized representatives, and supporters play roles in representing and protecting the rights of defendants, victims, financially interested parties, and other interested parties. The chapter also addresses special treatment for vulnerable persons, primarily victims and witnesses in criminal proceedings. Special treatment is based on personal characteristics, health, the nature of the crime, and relationships with other procedure participants. It aims to compensate for disadvantages and ensure the fullest exercise of rights during the criminal procedure. Furthermore, extraordinary rules also apply specific measures for persons under 18, victims of sexual offenses, and others. The paper overall emphasizes the importance of considering the specific needs and vulnerabilities of individuals in the criminal justice system and highlights these characteristics in the Hungarian criminal procedure.