For years, Marci and Petra's parents were not allowed to view the files on the death of their children by Hungarian authorities despite their repeated requests. For months, Tobin lived happily in Hungary as if nothing had happened, and was never arrested. Then, in the fall of 2000, he put down a HUF 500,000 security (less than EUR 2,000), and is given back his passport, which he then puts to good use in late November, 2000.
At the time, there was no extradition treaty between Ireland and Hungary (that doesn't mean what they have today is of any use), something Tobin's star-studded defense counsels (including would-be Justice Minister Dr. Péter Bárándy) probably knew (part of his job, no problem there), and the Prosecutor's Office and
then-Judge-now-lawyer Ficzere Mária Ms. Berecz obviously didn't. (Although it's public information now) as it was then.
His employer at the time, Irish Life, as well as Jim Flavin, Ambassador of the Republic of Ireland to Hungary at the time campaigned for him to be allowed to leave the country "for a short family trip", in his letter dated September 18, 2000. The next day, the Pest County Chief Prosecutor wrote a recommendation to the Budakörnyéki Court to approve Tobin's request to leave the country. The same day, the Court gives its blessing: Tobin is given his passport for the above mentioned sum. We may note that the institution of 'security' is not used in Hungary for crimes punishable with up to five years in prison.
As all information on this site, information in this post is from here.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please leave a comment: