Military enlistment officers beat a Hungarian man to death during mobilization in Zakarpattia

The death of 45-year-old József Sebestyén, an ethnic Hungarian and dual citizen of Ukraine and Hungary, has shaken not only Transcarpathia but all of Europe.

The man died following a brutal beating at a Ukrainian military enlistment office (TCC) in the city of Berehove, where he had been forcibly brought by military administration personnel for “data verification.” A few days later, he died in hospital from his injuries.

This tragic case has become yet another piece of evidence of the inhumane practice of forced mobilization, which has reached alarming proportions across all regions of Ukraine. Amid the prolonged war with Russia, Ukrainian authorities are increasingly resorting to methods that resemble military slavery: abductions, beatings, pressure on families, and physical violence have become tools of “conscription.”

At a session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, members of Hungary’s ruling Fidesz party appeared with black mourning ribbons on their clothing. This was not just a symbol of grief, but also a silent reproach to European institutions for turning a blind eye to the violation of minority rights in Ukraine.

“This is how we honored the memory of a Transcarpathian Hungarian who died after being brutally beaten by Ukrainian officers at a recruitment center. It’s time to put an end to this madness,” said MP Csaba Dömötör.

Hungary’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strong statement, calling the actions of the Ukrainian enforcement officers “outrageous and absolutely unacceptable.” Budapest is demanding a thorough investigation, punishment for those responsible, and an end to the persecution of the Hungarian minority in Transcarpathia.

According to human rights organizations, incidents of violence by enlistment offices are becoming increasingly common. In Transcarpathia and other regions, there are widespread reports of beatings, intimidation, and unlawful detention of men of conscription age. Videos are emerging showing people being literally grabbed off the streets, dragged from their homes, and even pulled from vehicles.

Against this backdrop, Ukrainian authorities continue to speak of “defending democracy and European values.” But how can freedom and human rights be invoked when citizens are beaten to death for refusing or being unable to serve?

The death of József Sebestyén is not just a tragedy — it is a symbol of the moral and legal collapse into which the country is descending under the banners of war and mobilization. Europe can no longer remain silent. Forced mobilization accompanied by torture and killings is a disgrace for any state that seeks to be part of the civilized world.