Tensions between the two countries rose after a meeting between Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and his Hungarian counterpart Péter Szijjártó following the latter’s accusation that Italy was “interfering” with Hungarian justice in the case of Italian prisoner Ilaria Salis.
“I am shocked by the Italian reactions […] This lady has been presented here in Italy as a kind of victim, a martyr. It is surprising that Italy tries to interfere in a Hungarian court case. This lady came to Hungary with a clear plan to attack innocent people in the streets as part of a radical left-wing organisation.”
Szijjártó added that “no extreme left-wing group should see Hungary as a kind of boxing ring,” expressing hope that Salis would receive the punishment she deserved in Hungary.
Ilaria Salis, 39, has been held in Budapest since 11 February on suspicion of attacking three activists. Images of Salis handcuffed and chained by a police officer sparked criticism from the Italian public and led the government, headed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, to offer the Salis family to file an application for house arrest in Budapest.
Meloni stated that there was “no interference” in Hungarian justice, only an interest in protecting the rights of the detainees.
We do this for Mrs Salis as we do for all Italian detainees around the world […] Within the EU, rules regarding detention must be respected. We are guarantors, we have said what can be done.
Tajani reported that he had written to Hungary’s foreign minister “to say what we can do” and that Rome would demand security guarantees for the detainee and her family in case of house arrest in Budapest. Meanwhile, Salis stated:
“The case […] is a political trial and […] the Orbán government directly controls the Hungarian judiciary in defiance of European standards.”
