Jena/Budapest – September 19, 2026. In the Budapest complex, the proceedings against Maja T., a non-binary anti-fascist from Jena, have begun before the Budapest Court of Appeal. More than two years after extradition and approximately seven months after the initial verdict, the public prosecutor’s office is now demanding significantly higher prison sentences.
- Event: Commencement of the appeal proceedings in the Budapest complex before the Budapest Regional Court
- Involved parties: Maja T. (from Jena) as well as Gabriele M. and Anna M.
- Prosecution demand: At least 13 years imprisonment under aggravated detention conditions for Maja T.
- Verdict announcement: Expected on September 30, 2026
Numerous supporters gathered in front of the court in Budapest on Friday, expressing their solidarity with banners such as “Freedom for Maja.” In February 2023, the court of first instance had accused T. of participating in attacks on individuals from the far-right scene on the sidelines of the so-called “Day of Honor.”
Aggravated demands by the prosecution
The Hungarian public prosecutor’s office intensified its position during the hearing, requesting prison sentences of at least 13 years each for Maja T. and co-defendant Gabriele M. This is justified by membership in a criminal organization and the accusation that the defendants acted with eventual intent—meaning they accepted the potential death of the victims. The previous sentence of eight years was classified by the prosecution as “excessively lenient.”
The defense firmly rejected these allegations and demanded acquittals for all defendants, or alternatively, a more lenient sentence. Attorney Tamás Bajáky criticized serious procedural errors, including the violation of fundamental language rights and the lack of a conclusive chain of evidence.
Criticism of detention conditions and political pressure
In a personal statement to the court, Maja T. expressed concern about the prospects within the Hungarian penal system and accused the judicial authorities of a strategy of psychological attrition. The case is also causing a stir internationally. Left-wing politician Martin Schirdewan criticized the prosecution’s demands as evidence of the criminalization of anti-fascists in Hungary and called for stronger diplomatic intervention by the German federal government.
The extradition of Maja T. in June 2024 was subsequently classified as unlawful by the Federal Constitutional Court. The ensuing pre-trial detention in Budapest has repeatedly been the subject of international protests and reports regarding strict isolation. The Court of Appeal intends to announce its decision on September 30.
Background: The Budapest complex and the connection to Jena
The so-called Budapest complex encompasses investigations and legal proceedings against several German citizens following violent clashes with participants of far-right gatherings in the Hungarian capital in February 2023. Since Maja T. is from Jena, the proceedings have received intensive, often controversial social and political attention in the city since the beginning. Local initiatives and support groups have been monitoring the case critically for years.
Source:
Maja T. fights against eight-year prison sentence
Transparency note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI assistance.