Maja T., a German anti-fascist activist, was sentenced to eight years in prison by a Budapest court for attempted life-threatening bodily harm and being part of a criminal organization. Her case relates to an attack on neo-Nazis in Budapest during a far-right gathering in February 2023, which the court classified as a show trial with deep political implications, illustrating collusion among various government entities to suppress anti-fascist activism.
The trial, characterized by significant procedural flaws, did not present concrete evidence against Maja; instead, it relied on questionable security footage and witness statements that failed to confirm her involvement. Reports indicate that Maja T. suffered in substandard detention conditions, including solitary confinement and harassment linked to her identity as a non-binary person.
The trial occurred in the context of a resurgence of far-right activities in Hungary, wherein the Orbán government has fostered close ties with neo-Nazi groups, while counter-demonstrations against such gatherings are increasingly suppressed. The German government, rather than intervening on behalf of Maja, has reportedly supported the harsh sentencing, reflecting a broader political climate in which anti-fascists face escalating persecution.
The case has raised alarms about the deterioration of judicial independence in Hungary and the complicity of other nations in the repression of leftist movements. In light of these developments, Maja T.’s defense plans to appeal the verdict, as both the prosecution and defense prepare for ongoing legal battles amid the backdrop of an upcoming election in Hungary.
