Gábor Péter

Gábor Péter (born as Benjámin Eisenberger in Újfehértó, 14 May 1906 – Budapest, 23 January 1993) was a Hungarian Communist politician, of Jewish origin. Between 1945 and 1952 he was the absolute leader of the State Protection Authority (Államvédelmi Hatóság) which was responsible for much cruelty, brutality and many political purges.

During his early years he worked as a tailor. He took part in the labour movements from the last years of the 1920s.

Early life

Born Benjamin Eisenberger to Peter Eisenberger, a tailor, and Meczner Roza, in Újfehértó, Hungary.

Political career

In 1931, he joined the Hungarian Communist Party. At this time he was also a lover of Litzi Friedmann the future first wife of Kim Philby, a member of the Cambridge Five.^[1]

In January 1945, he was appointed as leader of the Budapest Police Main Command Political Department (PRO), the Hungarian secret police. Péter's career rose quickly then: he became leader of the Hungarian State Police State Protection Department (ÁVO) then the State Protection Authority (ÁVH).^[2]

In 1952, he was discharged from his position because he was Jewish.^[2] Later he was arrested in Mátyás Rákosi's villa. According to historian Tibor Zinner, Gábor Péter was present on an official visit. Unexpectedly a handcuff clicked on his hand put back. After that Mihály Farkas stepped forward from behind the curtain and said: "the game is over". Gábor Péter's wife, Jolán Simon, who served as Rákosi's secretary, was also arrested.

In 1954, a court martial sentenced him to life imprisonment. He was accused of being a Zionist spy who cooperated with László Rajk, Rudolf Slánský and other "agents of international Zionism". In 1957, his term of imprisonment was significantly reduced and in 1959, he was released. After that he worked as a librarian.^[2]

Death

On 23 January 1993, at the age of 86, Peter died of natural causes in a Budapest hospital, Hungary. He was nearly blind. He was survived by his wife, Jolanda Simon.^[2]

References

1. Volodarsky, Boris (2014). Stalin's Agent: The Life and Death of Alexander Orlov. London: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-965658-5.
2. "Gabor Peter, 86, Dies; Led Hungarian Police". The New York Times. The New York Times Company. Retrieved 3 June 2015.

Sources

• Magyar Életrajzi Lexikon 1000-1990.
• Gábor Péter's birth entry Újfehértó births, No. 1906/173.