German Activist Maja T. Launches Hunger Strike in Hungarian Prison

Maja T., a 24-year-old German antifascist activist, has begun a hunger strike in a Hungarian prison to protest what they describe as inhumane conditions and a politically motivated trial. Maja T., who identifies as non-binary, has been held in pre-trial detention since June 2024, following extradition from Germany. The activist faces a potential sentence of up to 24 years.

Extradition and Charges

Maja T.'s case stems from an alleged attack on neo-Nazis during the "Day of Honour" commemoration in Budapest in 2023. This event is an annual gathering that commemorates an attempt by members of the Waffen-SS and Hungarian collaborators to break a Red Army siege at the end of World War II. Hungarian authorities issued a European Arrest Warrant, leading to Maja T.'s extradition from Germany.

The extradition process itself has been fraught with controversy. Despite concerns raised by the German Federal Constitutional Court regarding Maja T.'s potential treatment in Hungary, the extradition was expedited. The Berlin regional court initially ruled on the extradition, and German authorities transferred Maja T. before the Federal Constitutional Court could fully review the case. In fact, hours after the extradition, the Federal Constitutional Court ruled that it could not be carried out for the time being, and later ruled on February 6, 2025, that the extradition was unlawful.

Prison Conditions and Protests

Since being detained in Hungary, Maja T. has reportedly been subjected to harsh conditions. These include prolonged solitary confinement, constant video surveillance, and frequent "intimate searches" where they were forced to undress. Visits have been sporadic, food inadequate, and the cell infested with bedbugs and cockroaches.

The activist's decision to begin a hunger strike was triggered by the postponement of a judicial ruling on June 4, 2025, regarding a request to be transferred to house arrest. Previous applications for transfer to house arrest had been rejected. In a statement released by the Budapest Antifascist Solidarity Committee, Maja T. declared they were "no longer prepared to endure this intolerable situation and wait for decisions from a justice system that has systematically violated my rights over the last few months."

Maja T. demands to be transferred back to Germany to be with their family and participate in the trial in Hungary from home.

Political Reactions and Concerns

The case has drawn international attention and sparked criticism of the Hungarian government and the German government's handling of the extradition. Martin Schirdewan, co-chair of The Left in the European Parliament, called it "shocking that a young person must resort to such a drastic measure in order to be heard by the federal government." He urged the German government to take responsibility and bring Maja T. back to Germany.

Carola Rackete, another Left MEP, stated that Maja T.'s hunger strike is also the fault of the German federal government, which has made hardly any political efforts to bring Maja back to Germany, despite the Federal Constitutional Court ruling the extradition unjust four months ago.

Ilaria Salis, an Italian anti-fascist and Left MEP who spent over 15 months in degrading conditions in a Hungarian prison, expressed solidarity with Maja T., recalling the humiliation and deprivation she experienced.

Schirdewan has also called for an EU-wide ban on extraditions to Hungary, citing concerns about the rule of law and fundamental rights in the country. Reports by Amnesty International and EU institutions have documented Hungary's systematic erosion of judicial independence, discriminatory policies, and the political use of law enforcement. In January 2024, the European Parliament expressed serious concern about the rule of law and fundamental rights in Hungary.

Hungary's Human Rights Record

Hungary's human rights record has been under increasing scrutiny in recent years. Concerns have been raised about the treatment of LGBTQI individuals, Roma people, migrants, and political prisoners. In 2022, the EU Parliament downgraded Hungary from a democracy to an authoritarian state.

Other European governments have reportedly refused to honor extradition requests from Hungary for antifascist activists, citing concerns for their safety and wellbeing. A senior legal scholar at the European Court of Justice has also condemned Hungary's persecution of the LGBTQ+ community.

Maja T.'s case highlights these broader concerns about human rights and the rule of law in Hungary. In their statement, Maja T. concluded that "no more people should be extradited to Hungary."

Implications and Future Outlook

Maja T.'s hunger strike puts pressure on both the Hungarian and German governments. The German government faces calls to actively work for Maja T.'s return, while the Hungarian government faces scrutiny over its prison conditions and judicial practices.

The case also raises questions about the European Arrest Warrant system and whether it adequately protects the rights of individuals facing extradition to countries with questionable human rights records. The call for an EU-wide ban on extraditions to Hungary reflects a growing concern that the system is being abused for political purposes.

The situation remains tense as Maja T.'s health deteriorates. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining the outcome of the hunger strike and the future of Maja T.'s case. The actions taken by the German and Hungarian governments, as well as the international community, will have significant implications for human rights and the rule of law in Europe.