Hungary’s ‘draconian’ new law can be used to punish Orbán critics, US warns

State department says sovereignty protection office can be used to ‘intimidate and punish’ Hungarians critical of government

The US state department has warned that a new law in Hungary “can be used to intimidate and punish” Hungarians who do not agree with the government, adding to concerns from Hungarian journalists and activists who have expressed worries the law is aimed at silencing critical voices.

Hungary’s parliament approved legislation last week that creates a sovereignty protection office with broad powers to investigate Hungarians active in public life.