Database of state owned assets is not public, first-degree verdict says

Atlatszo.hu filed a freedom of information request to Hungarian State Holding Company (MNV Zrt.) in order to learn about properties which make up state owned assets and also about databases of privatization businesses. MNV refused to fulfil our request in reference to trade secrets. In our opinion these data are of general interest, so we took MNV to court. We lose. As Budapest Metropolitan Court’s first-degree verdict says publishing these documents could have possible negative effects on national economy. The Court’s reasoning also claims that we tried to use information rights irregularly because the requested documents could give us unjustified advantages. As Atlatszo.hu does not intend to take part in the allegedly already terminated privatization we appeal against the verdict.