Hungarian MEP faces anticipated retaliation before the immunity decision in Italy
Italian MEP Ilaria Salis Faces Potential Immunity Vote Amidst Controversial Charges
Ilaria Salis, an Italian Member of the European Parliament (MEP) representing the Greens and Left Alliance, is set to face a potential vote to lift her political immunity on Tuesday by the Parliament's Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI). This decision comes amidst a series of controversial charges against Salis, which she vehemently denies.
Salis was arrested in Hungary in February 2023, accused of brandishing a hammer in an attack. Images of her in court shackles stirred international outrage, and prosecutors asked for an 11-year prison sentence. However, Salis was released after winning a seat in the European Parliament, which granted her immunity.
The vote, initially scheduled for June 24, was delayed due to the European People's Party rapporteur Adrián Vázquez Lázara failing to submit the necessary report in time. Hungarian prosecutors requested that Salis' immunity be lifted in October 2024.
Salis' case is unusual because it involves a Hungarian government that has been repeatedly accused by the European Parliament of dismantling the rule of law. Salis believes that the proceedings against her are sham and have already been staged. She also believes that the justice system is being used for political purposes in Hungary.
Salis described the timing of the request as 'rather peculiar' as it followed her speaking out against the Hungarian government. She has also received a large number of anonymous threats, including some sent to her parents' home in Italy.
Salis' lawyer claimed that her jail cell was infested with rats and bugs. These allegations were met with controversy, with Hungarian spokesperson Zoltán Kovács sharing the coordinates of Marianosztra prison in response to one of Salis' social media posts.
As of now, no specific members of the European People's Party have publicly declared in favor of lifting Ilaria Salis' immunity. However, the EU Parliament's Legal Affairs Committee (JURI) is expected to recommend lifting her immunity, and the final decision will be made by the plenary vote where some EPP members could potentially support it.
Salis believes that the vote on her immunity is about the defense of fundamental rights, not just about her personally. She maintains that the case against her is not about delivering justice, but is a form of political retaliation and a way to create a scapegoat for domestic propaganda.
The outcome of this vote could have significant implications for Salis and the European Parliament. If the vote goes against Salis, she would remain an MEP but could face charges if Hungary issues a European arrest warrant. If JURI backs stripping her immunity, another vote will take place involving all MEPs, likely in Strasbourg in October.
This story is still developing, and we will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
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