Katalin Novák, 46, is stepping down as President of Hungary following the shock revelation that she quietly issued a pardon to a sick child predator convicted in a sex abuse case involving a state-ran children’s home.
The Lowdown
Katalin a member of Viktor Orban ‘s populist and far-right government is stepping down after the bombshell revelation that she used her position as President to secretly issue a pardon to a man convicted of heinous crimes against children back in April 23’. According to reports, Katalin kept the pardon from the public until it was revealed in a breathtaking report this week that sparked outrage across the country.
In a televised address, the now disgraced politician read out the following passage after she was implicated in the government cover-up.
“I issued a pardon that caused bewilderment and unrest for many people,” Novák said on Saturday. “I made a mistake.”
“I decided in favor of clemency in April of last year in the belief that the convict did not abuse the vulnerability of the children entrusted to him. I made a mistake,” Novák said Saturday. “I apologize to those I have hurt and to any victims who may have felt I am not standing up for them.
“As head of state, I am addressing you for the last time today. I resign from the office of president of the republic,” she said.