LONDON, May 10 (UPI) -- The Hungarian government is failing to protect women from rape and sexual violence at home, the human rights group Amnesty International said Thursday.
The Amnesty International report criticized Hungary for widespread prejudice, government inactivity and deficiencies in the criminal justice system that mean many women are denied justice.
The report urged Hungarian Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany to ensure that women and girls are properly protected from rape in their homes.
It quoted a Hungarian police officer as saying at least 85 percent of alleged victims are "whores" who fail to reach an agreement with their customers. "They are prostitutes, overtly or secretly," the officer reportedly said.
The report quoted a woman judge as saying, "I have worked as a judge for 10 years, but to tell you the truth, I myself would not report rape. It is the victim who has to defend and prove everything."
Rape within marriage has been included in Hungary's penal code since 1997. However, a public opinion poll last year indicated 62 percent of women were not aware marital rape was a crime.
