The defendant was convicted of four counts of attempted bodily harm causing danger to life, committed partly as a co-perpetrator and partly as an accomplice in a criminal organisation, and attempted grievous bodily harm committed for base motives.

The fifth defendant in the trial, Italian citizen Gabriella M, received a seven-year prison sentence for similar crimes. The third defendant in the trial, Anna M, also a German citizen, was sentenced by the court to two years' imprisonment for participation in a criminal organisation, suspended for five years.

According to the indictment, the defendants carried out attacks against people they considered to be far-right extremists in Budapest in February 2023.

Background: 

The Metropolitan Court of Budapest has handed down sentences to several foreign nationals involved in the February 2023 attacks against individuals perceived to be far-right extremists. The court ruled that the defendants were part of a criminal organization established in 2017 to engage in physical violence as part of an ideological struggle.

The Verdicts (February 4, 2026):
 

Case Background

According to the indictment, the group planned their operations on the darknet and practiced for attacks through regular training. The 2023 Budapest attacks followed a strict 30-second "script" to maximize damage and shock while ensuring a quick escape.

Ten individuals with Antifa ideologies reportedly traveled to Hungary from Germany and Italy specifically to target events associated with right-wing groups on February 11, 2023.

Defense and Controversy

The 4th defendant, Maja T. (who identifies as non-binary), was the only one present for the sentencing. In a statement to the court, Maja T. criticized the proceedings as "politically motivated," alleging:

* Human Rights Concerns: Claims of "torture" via solitary confinement and sleep deprivation during 18 months of detention.
* Extradition Disputes: Noting that the German Federal Constitutional Court had previously declared their extradition to Hungary unlawful.
* Ideological Defense: Arguing that anti-fascism is a form of democratic self-defense rather than a desire for violence.

Defense lawyers for the Italian defendant also alleged that political pressure from the Hungarian leadership influenced the court, aimed at reinforcing a narrative against left-wing activists.

Status of Other Defendants:

* Ilaria Salis (1st Defendant): The Italian national’s case is currently stalled as she gained legal immunity following her election to the European Parliament.
* Tobias E. (2nd Defendant): Already sentenced and currently under criminal supervision in Germany.

Current Legal Status:

The verdicts are not final. The prosecution has appealed for harsher sentences for all three defendants, while defense teams have appealed for acquittals or lighter penalties.

Source: MTI – Hungary’s national news agency since 1881. While MTI articles are usually factual, some may contain political bias, and readers should be aware that such content does not reflect the position of XpatLoop, which is neutral and independent.

Since the goal of XpatLoop is to keep readers well briefed, right across the spectrum of opinions, MTI items are shared to ensure readers are aware of all narratives within the local media.

XpatLoop believes in empowering readers to form their own views through complete and comprehensive coverage. To facilitate this XpatLoop has a balanced range of news partners, as you can see when you surf around XpatLoop.com
 

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