…By Joseph Benjamin for TDPel Media.
Former Health Secretary Matt Hancock appeared in court to provide evidence against Geza Tarjanyi, a man accused of harassing him during two incidents in January.
Hancock claimed to have been pursued by Tarjanyi on his way to Parliament and later on a London Underground train.
Videos presented in court showed Tarjanyi shouting accusations and conspiracy theories at Hancock during these encounters.
In his testimony, Hancock described feeling intimidated and in fear for his safety.
Walk to Parliament
During his testimony, Hancock recounted an incident that occurred five days prior to the court proceedings.
Tarjanyi allegedly “shoulder-barged” Hancock while persistently shouting questions and accusations.
Video evidence played in court depicted Tarjanyi accusing Hancock of “murdering” people as the MP walked down the street.
The encounter left Hancock feeling intimidated and alarmed.
Confrontation at Westminster Tube Station
Hancock testified that, on January 24, after a breakfast meeting in Downing Street, he was pursued by Tarjanyi once again.
As they approached Westminster tube station, Tarjanyi allegedly pushed Hancock, causing him to fear being shoved down the escalator.
Hancock expressed his concern for his safety, explaining that if he had lost his balance, he could have fallen down the long escalator.
Throughout the incident, Tarjanyi continued to shout accusations and conspiracy theories.
Hancock’s Intimidation and Safety Concerns
Hancock described feeling extremely intimidated by Tarjanyi’s behavior during both incidents.
He stated that the second encounter left him in fear and feeling unsafe.
Hancock also expressed alarm when Tarjanyi mentioned his previous arrests and his desire to go to court.
As a public figure, Hancock found it challenging to navigate the situation, especially considering the haphazard protest camp in Whitehall occupied by conspiracy theorists and anti-vaxxers.
He emphasized his commitment to not encourage harassment or give further traction to baseless conspiracy theories.
Tarjanyi’s Defense and Denial of Harassment Charges
Tarjanyi, a resident of Leyland in Lancashire, filmed both encounters with Hancock.
He denied deliberately making physical contact with Hancock and accused the former Health Secretary of barging into him.
Tarjanyi claims to be a journalist exercising his rights to question a public figure.
He denies that his behavior amounted to harassment and refutes the charges brought against him.
Conclusion
Former Health Secretary Matt Hancock’s testimony in court shed light on his alleged harassment by Geza Tarjanyi.
Hancock described feeling intimidated and fearing for his safety during the incidents.
The court proceedings included video evidence and accounts from both Hancock and Tarjanyi.
As the trial continues, the defense will likely further present Tarjanyi’s perspective, arguing that his actions were within the bounds of journalistic inquiry.