Irishman (40s) questioned by police in Hungary over death of former wife

An Irishman in Budapest is his 40s is being questioned in connection with the death of his former wife, according to Hungarian police.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that it is aware of the case in Hungary and is available to provide consular assistance, if requested.

The body of the woman (40s) was found in a burnt-out apartment in central Budapest on January 29th last, according to local media. Her name has not yet been released by authorities.

Hungarian police said emergency services were alerted to the blaze at the apartment by her former husband who was in Budapest to visit their children after visiting from abroad.

While there were initial suggestions that the fire was an accident, a women’s rights group cast doubt on this after saying that they had been in contact with the woman when she asked for legal help in 2023.

The group said the mother of two had filed several complaints over threatening behaviour which were either dismissed or not followed up by law enforcement authorities.

The suspect has reportedly denied killing his ex-wife.

Police said the autopsy has revealed “signs of assault”.

Hundreds of people attended a vigil on Tuesday, placing flowers and candles near the building where the woman lived with her children.