In a surprising turn of events, Hungarian President Katalin Novák announced her resignation on Saturday following widespread criticism of her decision to pardon a man convicted of concealing sexual abuse of children. The announcement came after a street protest on Friday demanded her resignation over the controversial decision.

Delivering a televised message, Novák expressed regret for her pardoning decision, admitting that it had caused "bewilderment and unrest for many people." She acknowledged that her lack of reasoning in granting the pardon had raised doubts about the zero tolerance towards pedophilia, which triggered the public outcry.

The protest, which took place in Hungary's capital, Budapest, saw an estimated 1,000 people demanding Novák's resignation. The president was reportedly in Doha at the time of the protest, attending a meeting regarding the World Aquatic Championships. However, she was forced to cut short her trip and return to Budapest in response to the escalating scandal.

The controversy centered around Novák's decision to pardon a man convicted as an accomplice for helping cover up a sex abuse case in a children's home. The man had assisted the former director of the home in hiding his crimes, resulting in both their convictions. The director received an eight-year prison sentence, while the deputy director was sentenced to more than three years.

Opposition parties in Hungary also called for Novák's resignation, adding to the mounting pressure on the president. Protesters held signs demanding her resignation during the demonstration, reflecting the public's strong reaction to the pardoning decision.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, from the Fidesz party, attempted to address the political fallout from the scandal by submitting a constitutional amendment to parliament. This amendment aimed to strip the president of the right to pardon crimes committed against children, in a bid to ensure such controversial decisions are prevented in the future.

In a further development, Orbán's former justice minister, Judit Varga, who had also approved the pardon, announced her resignation as a Fidesz Member of Parliament on Facebook, assuming responsibility for the decision.

As the fallout from the scandal continues, Hungary's government and Prime Minister Orbán have yet to comment on the matter in response to Fox News Digital's requests. The resignation of both the president and the justice minister highlights the gravity of the situation and the need for accountability.

The resignation of President Novák, the mass protests, and the subsequent political response underline the significance of addressing issues related to child abuse and the public's demand for a more robust stance against such crimes. The aftermath of this controversy is likely to shape conversations around the protection of children in Hungary as the country moves forward.