Ilaria Salis, an Italian activist currently imprisoned in Hungary on charges of participating in an attack on neo-Nazis, is running as a candidate in the European elections for the Greens and Left Alliance. Her father, Roberto Salis, addressed the Strasbourg Parliament, expressing her determination and happiness to stand for election. “For my daughter, the elections represent a further opportunity to solve her drama,” he said.
Roberto Salis elaborated that Ilaria’s decision to run as an MEP aligns with her political beliefs, dispelling rumors of a potential candidacy with the Democratic Party. However, the path to election faces obstacles as Ilaria is prohibited from campaigning and has limited communication access. “She is locked in a cell 23 hours a day with one hour of air time and 70 minutes of communication per week. Obviously, she has no chance to carry out her candidacy properly,” her father explained.
Despite these challenges, if elected, Salis could potentially gain parliamentary immunity, allowing her to attend the first plenary session of the new parliament on July 16. The Hungarian judiciary could request a suspension of her immunity, which would be subject to a vote in the chamber. Roberto Salis emphasized that immunity is not the primary objective of Ilaria’s candidacy. “My daughter is trying to get a fair trial,” he said. “The candidacy would allow for immunity. Then, if the procedure for a fair trial is activated, my daughter obviously does not run away from the trial and wants to prove her innocence, as she has always said.”
Ilaria Salis faces a potential prison sentence of up to 24 years. However, even a final conviction would not automatically disqualify her from her virtual seat in Strasbourg unless it also includes a ban from public office. Ioannis Lagos, a founder of the neo-Nazi party Alba Dorata, remains an MEP despite serving a 13-year sentence in Greece.
Ilaria’s case gained international attention in February when images circulated showing her in handcuffs and shackles before Hungarian judges. She has repeatedly raised concerns about inadequate conditions in her cell. However, Hungarian MEP Enikő Győri of the ruling Fidesz party has disputed these accusations, providing details of Salis’ prison accommodation.
On the same day as Roberto Salis’ visit to Strasbourg, the European Parliament adopted a non-legislative resolution criticizing “the persistent, systematic and deliberate violation of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights in Hungary, for which the Hungarian government is responsible.” The resolution highlights concerns over the limitations on freedom of expression and media, the independence of the judiciary, and the rule of law in Hungary.
