Austria summons the Hungarian ambassador for the release of several detainees for human trafficking

May 22. (EUROPE PRESS) –

The Austrian authorities have summoned the Hungarian ambassador to the country, Andor Nagy, on Monday to protest the release of several detainees accused of human trafficking in a case that has revived the controversy between the two countries.

The Austrian Foreign Minister, Alexander Schallenberg, has pointed out that Vienna awaits an “exhaustive clarification” since it considers that this release is a “very bad sign”.

The call comes after the Hungarian security forces have decided to release several detainees for human trafficking on the condition that they leave the country within a period of three days.

The Austrian government has asserted that the “excuse” used by Hungary to release them is “completely opposed to the supposed firm position” of Budapest against human trafficking. Thus, it has confirmed that Vienna “will strengthen controls on the border with Hungary in response to these releases.”

The migratory flow through the Balkan countries often passes through Hungary to reach Austria. The Austrian police have on numerous occasions offered support to the Hungarian authorities in the fight against traffickers.

However, Vienna has now denounced that this cooperation “is being put to the test” with the latest decisions made by the Hungarian authorities.