Szőlő Street Reformatory Director Resigns Amidst Allegations
Former Deputy Director Addresses Role in Controversial Juvenile Detention Center
Varga László Balázs, former director of the Szőlő Street Juvenile Detention Center, stated he only held an episodic role at the institution while concurrently serving as the deputy director of the Debrecen Juvenile Detention Center.He discussed these positions and the surrounding controversies in an interview with HVG on January 9, 2026.
Varga László Balázs’s comments come after reports in the Hungarian press regarding allegations against Péter Pál Juhász.He confirmed he learned of the allegations – concerning the alleged exploitation of young women – through media coverage.
The Szőlő Street Juvenile Detention Center was under scrutiny following a series of national scandals. Varga László Balázs led the institution for only six days before resigning on December 17, 2025, according to Telex.hu.
He explained to HVG that he left the Szőlő Street facility due to “personal reasons.”