On 6 October 2015, Parliament passed an amendment to the Act on Criminal Procedure aimed at giving the victims of crime expanded rights and ensuring increased support during criminal proceedings.

Under the new legislation, victims of crime are entitled to receive more information during the course of criminal proceedings, for example via written communication or electronic messages.

The revised legislation also expands the circle of family members who can represent a victim during the proceedings to include brothers and sisters.

The amendment gives victims the right to request a closed court hearing in the interests of personal security, and provides the victim with the option to request the defendant’s absence during the hearing.

The legislation allows victims of sexual abuse to request that their case be heard by a judge of the same gender.

It also ensures that a sign interpreter must assist the court hearing free of charge if required or requested.

The amendment was initiated by Minister of Justice László Trócsányi with the aim of incorporating the EU directive on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime into national legislation. The bill was passed unanimously with 161 votes.

(Ministry of Justice)