The Truth Behind the Soviet Union and Hungary’s Penal Codes: A Case of Misunderstanding

During the tumultuous years of the 20th century, the conflict between the Soviet Union and Hungary was complex and often misunderstood, especially regarding the legal systems and their application during the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. One such misunderstanding revolves around the penal codes and the treatment of juvenile offenders. This article aims to clarify the reality of the situation, offering a detailed examination of the legal frameworks and the true implications of the Soviet and Hungarian penal laws.

The Hungarian Penal Code and its Relevance

It is a common belief that the Soviet Union’s penal code prohibited the execution of anyone under the age of 18. This misconception, however, requires scrutiny, particularly with respect to the legal and historical context of the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. The Hungarian Penal Code, which barred the execution of young people under the age of 20, played a significant role in addressing the immediate concerns of the local population.

A Case Study: Péter Mansfeld and the Széna Square Group

During the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, Péter Mansfeld, a 16-year-old turner apprentice, joined the fight for independence. He became a key member of the Széna square group, a coalition of young freedom fighters determined to break free from Soviet control. The rebellion, which involved 14 members of the group, was met with a brutal military response from the Soviet Union.

After the Soviet intervention, 14 members, including Mansfeld, faced legal proceedings. A crucial, but often overlooked, fact is that the Soviet regime delayed the executions of these young rebels until they reached the age of 20, not 18, as often mythologized. This move by the Soviet Union, motivated by political considerations, was intended to appear less draconian to an international audience.

The Reality of the Soviet Penal Code

Contrary to the popular narrative, the Soviet Union’s penal code did not prohibit the execution of individuals under 18. Instead, it provided legal protections, albeit lenient in the context of international human rights standards of the time. The age at which certain legal actions could be taken varied between the two countries, adding to the confusion. However, the Hungarian Penal Code, which barred the execution of young people under 20, was the primary legal instrument that the Soviet regime respected in its actions.

The International Perspective

The international community, at the time, viewed the Hungarian Revolution as a national struggle for independence, and the execution of young rebels would have further exacerbated this perception. By delaying the executions until the accused were 20, the Soviet regime aimed to maintain a facade of legality and human rights.

Consequences of the Delayed Executions

Mansfeld, like many of his peers, spent the last year before his 20th birthday in captivity, enduring torture and waiting for the inevitable. He was eventually hanged shortly after his 20th birthday, a tragic end to a passionate and idealistic young fighter. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made in the name of freedom and the complexities of international politics.

Conclusion

The historical narrative of the Soviet Union's penal code and its interactions with Hungary during the 1956 revolution is often oversimplified or misinterpreted. By examining the actual legal provisions, we can better understand the complexities of the situation and the true intentions behind the Soviet Union’s actions. Péter Mansfeld’s story stands as a testament to the human cost of political conflicts and the enduring impact of legal frameworks on individual destinies.