Minister Pays Tribute to Hungarian Man Killed during Conscription in Ukraine

Minister of Culture and Innovation Balázs Hankó personally paid his respects at the grave of József Sebestyén, who was killed during conscription in Ukraine.

“We paid our respects at the grave of József Sebestyén, who paid with his life because he refused to take up arms in the war and was beaten to death during forced conscription,” the Minister wrote on his Facebook page. The case of József Sebestyén shows the darkest side of conscription in Ukraine: according to news reports, the man, who belonged to the Hungarian minority, was beaten to death.

In his post, Balázs Hankó pointed out that the tragedy of József Sebestyén is not only a painful memory, but also a warning.

His tragic fate is a stark reminder that violence can never be the way forward, and war is not the solution. It is unacceptable and deeply inhumane.”

The Minister stated that Hungary stands not only with Sebestyén, but with all Hungarians who suffer injustice and oppression.

He stressed: “We defend people and raise our voices against bloodshed. Ukraine’s accession to the EU cannot be on the agenda. We consistently demand peace and consistently say no to war!”

In a video message also posted on social media, the Minister noted that war breaks up families and communities and leaves behind acts that are difficult to forgive. “Today, we pay our respects here and stand by all our Hungarian brothers and sisters who are suffering injustice and oppression,” he said, standing in front of Sebestyén’s grave in the Berehove (Beregszász) cemetery.

He emphasized that

it is our duty to defend truth and human dignity. And we Hungarians stand up for this.”

“József Sebestyén was a Hungarian citizen. We want justice!” declared the Minister.

“We speak out against death and want to protect life wherever we can. It is our duty, our responsibility, and we work for this every day,” Minister Hankó concluded.

Featured image: Facebook/Hankó Balázs