Transparency watchdog investigated as Hungary tries to curb ‘foreign influence’

Move fuels fears that Viktor Orban's government is increasing efforts to crack down on independent voices

A Hungarian transparency watchdog and independent media outlet say they have been targeted in an investigation designed to intimidate voices critical of the government of Hungary's far-right prime minister, Viktor Orban.

On Tuesday, Transparency International Hungary, an NGO, and Atlatszo, one of the country's best-known investigative outlets, said they had received formal notification that they were being investigated as organisationsthat, using support from abroad, conduct activities aimed at influencing the will of the voters".