Protests against Hungary: Maja T.'s life is in danger – activists sound the alarm!

Protests against Hungary: Maja T.'s life is in danger – activists sound the alarm!

Anger is simmering all over Germany over the imprisonment of Maja T. in Hungary, and the protests are taking ever shorter routes. In Leipzig, an empty house was occupied by activists who wanted to draw attention to Maja T.'s oppressive prison conditions. Up to 70 people gathered in front of the occupied building, while in Berlin a group of 10 to 14 masked people briefly blocked the entrance to the ZDF capital studio. The actions are not only intended to shed light on the media and their role in this matter, but also to point out the frightening situation of Maja T., who, as a 24-year-old, suffers from inhumane conditions. Loud MDR Activists report on the brutal everyday life in prison and the ongoing criticism of the Hungarian state's behavior.

The descriptions of Maja T.'s detention are alarming: her health is critical, and after more than five weeks on hunger strike she has lost more than 13 kilograms. Her supporters, led by her father Wolfram Jarosch, organized a protest march from Jena to Berlin to draw attention to the serious situation. They have submitted a petition with more than 100,000 signatures – “Get Maja back” – to the Foreign Office, which is highly committed to supporting Maja T., like ZDF reported. But despite all efforts, her German lawyer says there is legally no way for her to return to Germany.

A system in focus

The allegations against Maja T. cannot simply be dismissed: she is accused of attacking right-wing extremists in Budapest with other presumably left-wing activists and forming a criminal organization. She faces an arduous trial that could result in a possible prison sentence of up to 24 years. In recent months, the Council of Europe has also written Hungary down - the prison conditions are anything but presentable. In a statement, the panel demanded that Hungary report on remedial measures to improve prison conditions by December 1st Daily News Hungary holds on. Particular attention is paid to overcrowding and the lack of effective legal remedies, which are repeatedly raised by prisoners.

In Leipzig, the debate about the Hungarian rule of law came to a serious halt. Criticism of Denis Kuhne, the head of the state security department in the LKA Saxony, is growing - his statements that Hungary is supposedly an autocratic nation are being sharply contested. Juliane Nagel from the Left and the “Leipzig Takes Seat” action network are not letting up; They demand a clear statement on the rule of law principles from the LKA Saxony and emphasize that the Hungarian prison conditions are unacceptable compared to European standards.

These protests in Germany are not only intended to support Maja T., but they also highlight the increased concern about the state of human rights in Europe. As the situation in Hungary fades from view for many, the outcry over the intolerable conditions in prisons cannot be ignored.