Coordinators: Marcell Gerencsér, Lili Nagy, Fanni Horváth

National Academic Supervisor: Dr. Eszter Üveges Anna

Linguistic Editors: Noémi Ecsedi, Fanni Horváth, Máté Gál

Technical Editors: Fanni Horváth, Máté Gál

Cover design: Claudia Bartalis

Researchers and Authors: Barnabás Hajdu, Bettina Lajer, Xénia Dénes, Gergő Nagy, Ivett Nagy, Netti Madai, Petra Márki, Péter Pribula, Kata Nóra Veres, Éva Dabis

Country Involved: Hungary
Published: April, 2026
Length: 108 pages

The Concluding Report contains the results of the Legal Research Group conducted by ELSA Hungary in the period of 2025–2026 on the topic of the criminal justice system and minorities, with particular focus on the Roma minority in Hungary.

The aim of the report is to examine the extent to which the principle of equality before the law is implemented in practice within the Hungarian criminal justice system, and to shed light on forms of discrimination, prejudice, and structural disadvantage faced by Roma individuals at different stages of criminal proceedings. Through its findings, the report seeks to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the interaction between legal norms, institutional practice, and social reality, while emphasising the importance of equal treatment and human dignity in the administration of justice.

After introducing the relevant legal and conceptual framework, the report analyses Hungarian legislation and practice across key stages of the criminal justice process, including the investigation phase, court proceedings, sentencing, imprisonment, and reintegration. The research adopts a comprehensive approach by combining legal analysis with case studies, empirical findings, and references to domestic and international jurisprudence, as well as European and international human rights standards. The report concludes by identifying existing legislative and practical shortcomings and by providing recommendations aimed at improving institutional practices and ensuring the effective and equal protection of the rights of all individuals within the criminal justice system.