No charges for plant boss over toxic sludge spill

A JUDGE yesterday dismissed prosecution demands that the head of a metals company linked to Hungary’s devastating red sludge spill be charged with negligence and he has been released from police custody, his lawyer said.

Appearing after the closed court hearing, Zoltani Bakonyi’s lawyer, Janos Banati, said the judge ruled in his favour after finding that prosecutors couldn’t substantiate their argument that Bakonyi did not sufficiently prepare emergency warning and rescue plans in case of accidents like the toxic spill.

Banati said prosecutors were preparing an appeal.