Matt Hancock ‘relieved’ anti-vax protester found guilty of harassment

Matt Hancock has said he is “relieved” an anti-vaccine protester who shoulder-barged him and accused him of murder was found guilty of harassment.

Geza Tarjanyi, 62, confronted the West Suffolk Tory MP, 44, near Parliament on Jan 19 and yelled: “Why did you kill so many people with Midazolam?”

Five days later Tarjanyi followed Mr Hancock into Westminster underground station and shoved him at the top of the escalator as he asked: “Why did you murder millions of people?”

The protester, of Leyland in Lancashire, was found guilty of harassment at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 2.

Tarjanyi, who became known online for his activism against fracking and Covid mask wearing, filmed himself screaming at former Deputy Chief Medical Officer Jonathan Van-Tam in 2021.

Last November he stood trial for criminal damage after turning up at Sajid Javid’s home in Fulham with adhesive spray and posters on January 3 last year.

He travelled to the then Health Secretary’s house to stage a protest against the coronavirus vaccine rollout. Tarjanyi was cleared after a two-day trial at Isleworth Crown Court.

He also filmed himself harassing Chris Whitty and calling the Chief Medical Advisor a ‘liar’ in 2021.

Mr Hancock said: “I am relieved at this guilty verdict. This individual didn’t just attack me, but he’s attacked several MPs and other public servants.

“We in the UK pride ourselves as a global symbol of democracy, built around respectful debate to build a more inclusive and harmonious society. Violence against anyone for their political beliefs is unacceptable.

“I would like to thank the CPS, Transport for London and the British Transport Police who have been fantastic throughout.”

Senior district judge Paul Goldspring said Tarjanyi “deliberately intimidated and harassed” the MP.