A senior European Parliament member from Hungary resigned Sunday after authorities caught him violating coronavirus pandemic rules, allegedly attending a “lockdown party” described by local media as “an orgy.”
József Szájer, a member of the ruling Fidesz party, released a statement Tuesday saying he was “present” at the “private party,” Politico reported, citing the Belgian press.
Authorities reported finding 25 naked men, including Szájer and several diplomats.
Belgium entered a second COVID-19 lockdown last month, issuing a curfew and limiting gatherings to less than four people.
A press release from the public prosecutor’s office reported, “A passer-by reported to the police that he had seen a man fleeing along the gutter; he was able to identify the man. The man’s hands were bloody. It is possible that he may have been injured while fleeing.”
The release added that narcotics were found on the man, and he was unable to produce documents until police escorted him to his residence, where he identified himself as “S. J. (1961) by means of a diplomatic passport.”
An official with knowledge about the party’s raid said officers were called following “a legal complaint for night-time disturbance” at an apartment Friday evening near the center of Brussels.
Szájer said authorities offered him “an official verbal warning” and returned him to his residence. He underscored he did not take any drugs and apologized for attending the party, adding he “deeply” regretted breaking the restrictions.
“It was irresponsible on my part. I am ready to stand for the fine that occurs,” said Szájer in the statement.
The Hungarian politician stepped down Sunday after serving as a long-standing member of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s party.
The Fidesz delegation to the European Parliament released a statement about Szájer’s decision to resign, calling it “the only right decision.”
We acknowledge his decision, just as we acknowledge that he has apologized to his family, his political community and to the voters,” the statement added.