Roma Foundation for Europe Calls for Full Investigation into Death of Tamás B. Following Police Operation in Hungary

Brussels, 24 July 2026 – The Roma Foundation for Europe is calling on the Hungarian authorities to conduct a full, transparent and independent investigation into the death of Tamás B., a Roma father of two from Ercsi, who died after days in a coma following a police operation in Százhalombatta on 8 July.

Tamás B.'s brother, Norbert Baki, told the Roma Press Center that his brother suffered brain injuries that worsened over recent days until doctors could no longer save him. According to witnesses cited by the Roma Press Center, Tamás B. was kicked repeatedly while lying on the ground during the police operation. His family and the Roma Press Center have both noted that the injuries reported—including a broken nose and severe brain trauma—go beyond what the use of an electric shock device alone would explain.

The Budapest Regional Investigative Prosecutor's Office opened a criminal investigation on 13 July on suspicion of ill-treatment committed during official proceedings, following a complaint filed on the family's behalf. The Pest County Police Headquarters has stated that officers acted lawfully and proportionately. Four police officers involved in the operation have nonetheless been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation. Following Tamás B.'s death, a forensic autopsy has also been ordered to establish the cause of death and whether it is linked to the police operation.

Tamás B.'s family has stated that his Roma background may have played a role in how he was treated during the operation. The family has since retained legal representation and says it expects the prosecution to establish the full facts of what happened and to act on them.

The Roma Foundation for Europe will continue to follow the case and expects the findings of the investigation, and any resulting accountability, to be made public.