Italy protests alleged mistreatment of woman in Hungarian court

Italy’s government has expressed its discontentment over the treatment of Ilaria Salis, a 39-year-old Italian woman awaiting trial in Hungary for her alleged involvement in a counter-demonstration against a neo-Nazi rally. The images of Salis, handcuffed and chained, sparked outrage and prompted Italian ministers to summon Budapest’s ambassador in protest. Arrested in Budapest last February, Salis faces three counts of attempted assault and accusations of being part of an extreme left-wing organization. If convicted, she could be sentenced to up to 11 years in jail. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated that the treatment of Salis seemed excessive, emphasizing the need to respect citizens’ rights within the European Union. The case poses a potential challenge for Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, given her close ties with Hungary’s nationalist PM Viktor Orbán. While Tajani acknowledged not wanting to interfere in Hungary’s justice system, he emphasized that the treatment of a prisoner should align with legal standards. During the protest at Hungary’s justice ministry, Tajani proposed placing Salis under house arrest instead of detention. Salis’s lawyers condemned her treatment, calling it shocking and urging the Italian state to address the situation promptly. The incident could strain relations between Meloni and Orbán, who have previously shared close ties but diverged over Ukraine. Italy’s support for Kyiv contrasts with Orbán’s veto of an EU aid package for Ukraine in December. Salis is scheduled to stand trial on May 24, and the Italian government’s protest seeks to ensure fair treatment and uphold citizens’ rights within the European Union.