Thousands of people protested on Saturday in the streets of Budapest against a scandal of abuse against children in a state-run juvenile detention center.

The protest was led by opposition leader Peter Magyar, who urged Prime Minister Viktor Orban to resign in the context of the public outrage generated by the case. The crowd carried a banner with the message "Protect the children!" and plush toys in a sign of solidarity with the victims. The prosecution has so far detained seven people in connection with the abuses, and the government has placed juvenile correction centers under direct police supervision, while investigations continue. Prime Minister Orban condemned the abuses as unacceptable and criminal, amid increasing pressure on his government ahead of the likely elections in April.