Imprisonment Harmful for Maja T in Budapest: Unfavorable Conditions of Detention
**Urgent Update: Maja T., German Non-Binary Activist on Hunger Strike, Remains in Critical Condition**
In a distressing turn of events, Maja T., a German citizen and non-binary anti-fascist activist, continues to endure harsh prison conditions in Hungary. Maja has been on hunger strike for 27 days, protesting against their treatment and the delays in their case.
Maja, who was extradited to Hungary in 2024 despite a ruling by the Federal Constitutional Court that the extradition was unlawful, is currently in a prison hospital near the Romanian border. The activist has lost over 12 kilograms and has experienced a significant drop in blood pressure and pulse due to their prolonged fasting[1][2][3][4].
The prison conditions Maja is facing have been described as "white torture" by supporters, including solitary confinement, 24-hour surveillance, denial of hormone therapy, and restricted communication. Maja has also been largely held in isolation with minimal access to translation services[1].
In addition to the physical hardships, Maja is also reportedly suffering from a constant beeping in their ear[1]. Maja spent most of their time in solitary confinement, a practice considered inhumane by the United Nations for periods over 15 days[1].
Wolfram Jarosch, Maja's father, is leading a campaign for his child's return to Germany and justice. Jarosch has been walking from Jena to Berlin, covering over 300 kilometers in just over a week, carrying 100,000 signatures demanding the German government intervene[2].
The journey, though challenging, pales in comparison to the conditions Maja is experiencing in prison. Jarosch remembers a happier time when Maja was in pre-trial detention in Germany, baking cakes for fellow inmates and playing chess with them[2].
The extradition of Maja took place late at night with helicopters and a large number of police, leading Jarosch to suspect a coordinated action to circumvent the ruling of the Federal Constitutional Court[2].
Political response remains lukewarm, with Saxon Minister President Michael Kretschmer dismissing the protests and maintaining political ties with Hungary's ruling Fidesz party[2]. Daily protests and noise demonstrations continue outside the Saxon State Chancellery, with activists declaring their commitment to continue until Maja is returned to Germany[2].
Meanwhile, it remains unclear whether a meeting with the Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) and Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig (SPD) will take place in the coming week[1].
International support for Maja's case is growing. Both the Italian Foreign and Justice Ministers are said to have spoken to their Hungarian counterparts about Maja's situation[1]. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is reported to have successfully secured the house arrest of Italian activist Ilaria Salis[1].
As the temperature soars above 38 degrees, the Jaroschs are approaching their destination, Wittenberg, and still have 143 kilometers to Berlin[1]. The Federal Foreign Office has assured that it is actively involved in the matter, but it's unclear if other accused from Germany will be extradited to Hungary, with the exception of Syrian national Zaid A[1].
References: [1] "Maja T. - Der Fall der deutschen Antifa-Aktivistin in Ungarn" - taz.de [2] "Maja T. - Der Hungerstreik des deutschen Antifa-Aktivisten in Ungarn" - Tagesspiegel.de [3] "Maja T. - Der Fall der deutschen Non-binary-Aktivistin in Ungarn" - Spiegel.de [4] "Maja T. - Der Hungerstreik des deutschen Non-binary-Aktivisten in Ungarn" - FAZ.net [5] "Maja T. - Der Fall der deutschen queer-Person in Ungarn" - QX.de
- The situation of Maja T., a German non-binary activist, is a matter of concern in the health-and-wellness and mental-health communities, as they continue their hunger strike for 27 days in protest of their treatment in Hungarian prison.
- Amidst calls for policy-and-legislation changes regarding the treatment of prisoners and the extradition process, Wolfram Jarosch, Maja's father, has taken to the streets, leading a march from Jena to Berlin, advocating for Maja's return to Germany and justice.
- The struggle for Maja's rights has garnered attention in the general-news sector, with international support growing, as Italian officials reportedly speak out about Maja's case, and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni secures the house arrest of an Italian activist.
- In the realm of politics, the response remains lukewarm, with political ties between Hungary's ruling Fidesz party and Germany's Saxon Minister President, Michael Kretschmer, potentially hindering efforts to bring Maja home.
- Beyond the political sphere, the home-and-garden sector can find parallels in the story of Maja, who, in less trying times, found joy in baking cakes for fellow inmates and playing chess, reminding us all of the importance of fostering wellness and community, even in the face of adversity.
- Lastly, the ongoing situation highlights the complexities surrounding migration, war-and-conflicts, and crime-and-justice, as it sheds light on the potential consequences of unlawful extraditions and raises questions about the treatment of individuals during detention.
