U.N. expert raises concerns over media freedom in Hungary ahead of 2022 vote

FILE PHOTO: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Budapest, Hungary, October 26, 2021. REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo/File Photo

BUDAPEST (Reuters) - The United Nations' top expert on freedom of opinion and expression expressed concerns about a "distorted media environment" in Hungary, saying on Monday that reporting around elections due next year must be fair and impartial.

U.N. Special Rapporteur Irene Khan also told reporters during a visit to Budapest that the "freedom of expression which political candidates have should not be abused to create a toxic environment of violence (and) hatred".