Hungarian resident Maja T. accused the German federal government following her arrest in Hungary. - Hungarian resident Maja T. voices disapproval towards the actions of the German government
Maja T. Faces Ongoing Trial in Budapest, Amidst Controversy and Allegations of Injustice
Maja T., a non-binary individual, is currently on trial in Budapest, Hungary, facing charges related to alleged attacks on right-wing extremists in February 2023 [1][3]. The trial, which began in early 2025, carries a potential sentence of up to 24 years in prison [1].
The extradition of Maja T. from Germany to Hungary in June 2024 was a contentious issue, with the German Federal Constitutional Court ruling in January 2025 that the extradition was unlawful, citing violations of human rights and poor Hungarian prison conditions [1][2]. Despite this ruling, the extradition proceeded just minutes before the court’s ban could take effect, a move sharply criticized as ignoring systemic shortcomings like discrimination and inhuman treatment related to Maja's non-binary identity and prison conditions [2].
Since June 2024, Maja T. has been held in solitary confinement and undertook a 40-day hunger strike in mid-2025 to protest detention conditions and demand repatriation to Germany for a fair trial [1][2][3]. The hunger strike resulted in severe health deterioration, including significant weight loss and organ damage, leading Maja to suspend the strike to preserve life but without dropping demands for humane treatment and trial equality [3].
Maja and her legal team argue that Hungarian prisons have inadequate food, poor hygiene, risks of violence, and systemic discrimination, particularly against LGBTQ and non-binary people [2]. Maja publicly criticized the Hungarian state for marginalizing people based on gender and sexuality [2].
The German government has expressed serious concerns about the legality of the extradition and Maja's prison conditions, highlighting potential violations of human rights and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU [1][2][4]. Germany’s Foreign Ministry has monitored the trial proceedings and provided consular support, despite tensions over the extradition’s handling [1][4]. Maja’s father has also actively appealed to German authorities, framing Maja’s case as emblematic of broader struggles for democracy and against authoritarianism [2].
In a recent interview with TAZ Verlags- und Vertriebs, Maja T. stated, "Everything seems to be about wrapping up the case quickly. And the verdict has obviously already been decided." [5]. Maja also accuses the judge in Hungary of not being interested in a fair trial [5].
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) has announced advocating for better detention conditions for Maja T., but Maja has not noticed any improvement yet [6]. As the trial continues, this case remains highly contentious, raising questions on extradition legality, human rights protections within EU frameworks, and treatment of minority detainees in Hungary [1][2][3][4].
| Aspect | Details | |------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Trial Status | Ongoing in Budapest since early 2025; charges of attempted assault on right-wing activists | | Detention Conditions | Solitary confinement, inadequate prison conditions, systemic discrimination risks | | Hunger Strike | Lasted 40 days; halted due to health deterioration but demands remain | | Legal Controversy | Extradition ruled unlawful by German Federal Constitutional Court but executed anyway | | German Government Role | Consular support, expressed concern over human rights and prison treatment | | Criticism by Maja T. | Condemned Hungarian state’s systemic marginalization of LGBTQ persons and unfair trial | | Judge's Bias | Accusations of not being interested in a fair trial | | Foreign Minister's Advocacy | Advocating for better detention conditions | | Health Deterioration | Severe weight loss and organ damage due to hunger strike | | Extradition Delay | German Federal Constitutional Court's ban on extradition came just a few minutes too late |
[1] The Guardian [2] Deutsche Welle [3] BBC News [4] Euractiv [5] TAZ [6] Der Spiegel
In the context of EU policy and legislation, it is crucial to consider the freedom of movement of workers and the freedom to provide services in light of Maja T.'s ongoing trial and allegations of injustice. As a non-binary individual facing charges in Hungary, Maja's situation raises questions about the protection of these fundamental rights within the EU.
Moreover, the controversies surrounding Maja's extradition and detention conditions, as well as allegations of discrimination and systemic shortcomings, highlight the need for political and legal scrutiny in the realm of general news, including crime and justice. These issues underscore the importance of upholding democratic values and human rights within the European Union.
