Left MEPs have exposed the rising tide of repression and human rights abuses across Europe against antifascist activists.  An event in the European Parliament brought together activists, including renowned comic artist Zerocalcare, researchers, lawyers  and policymakers to discuss the meaning of antifascism in today’s world. From the troubling cases in Budapest to broader efforts for justice and democracy, the discussions highlighted urgent threats and collective solutions.

Personal testimonies underscored the dire situation faced by antifascist activists. Left MEP Ilaria Salis (Sinistra Italiana, Italy) recounted her experience:
“I spent fifteen months in a Hungarian prison under terrible conditions, in pre-trial detention, while government officials publicly condemned me before any sentence was issued. In March 2024, the Court of Appeal in Milan refused to extradite another antifascist to Hungary on similar charges. The court cited the risk of inhuman treatment and the violation of fundamental rights, as well as the disproportionate sentences imposed relative to the alleged offenses.“

The case of Maja.T, a young activist subjected to inhumane  detention in Hungary, has become a rallying cry against injustice. Maja.T has been held in solitary confinement for five months, conditions amounting to psychological torture. Their father, Wolfram Jarosch, shared the devastating impact:
“Maja’s detention conditions are unbearable. My child has been in 24-hour solitary confinement for almost six months, with no contact with other prisoners. Such confinement is prohibited under the United Nations’ Nelson Mandela Rules and is considered psychological torture. The hygiene situation is unworthy and poses medical risks, with pest and insect infestations. It is a disgrace that Maja was extradited to these conditions in a cloak-and-dagger operation.”

Maja.T’s case reflects a broader pattern of repression. Detainees in Hungary face inhumane conditions, including overcrowding, infestations, and systemic discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals. Despite rulings opposing extradition, Hungarian authorities persist, disregarding fundamental principles of justice.

Left co-president Martin Schirdewan (Die Linke, Germany): “In Hungary, there is no fair judicial system and the prison conditions are inhumane. That is why there should be a general EU-wide ban on extraditions to Hungary. The German government must do everything in its power to secure the return of Maja T. and every foreign antifascist imprisoned in Hungary. In order to guarantee fair trials for antifascists, like Maja T. or Hanna S., in accordance with the rule of law, the trials must take place in Germany.”

The event also shed light  on political interference in legal cases. Activists like Gino, detained under questionable circumstances, face accusations tied to their activism rather than legitimate legal grounds. French lawyer Laurent Pasquet-Marinacce highlighted the misuse of European Arrest Warrants:”There is blatant and deliberate interventionism by Mr. Orbán and his allies. Hungary’s extradition request for Rexhino is motivated solely by his identity as an antifascist activist, entirely unrelated to the alleged offenses. This is not judicial cooperation—it is political repression serving Orbán’s agenda.”

Left MEP Damien Carême (La France Insoumise, France) commented: “Antifascist militants, supporters of the Palestinian people, environmental activists, trade unionists, solidarists, and engaged citizens—throughout Europe, progressive struggles for the freedom of peoples and for fairer societies are being criminalized. In many EU member states, right-wing governments, hand in hand with the far-right, are launching reactionary attacks on human rights defenders. This is unacceptable! Just like the extradition request for antifascist activists made by Orbán to France. French justice would permanently disgrace itself by complying with the unjustifiable demands of an illiberal leader who, in his own country, neither respects the rule of law nor European values.”

The discussions underscored the urgent need to combat the criminalization of activism, which threatens democracy and fundamental freedoms across Europe. Stories like Maja’s and Gino’s reveal how authoritarian regimes undermine justice, using legal tools as instruments of oppression.

The Left demands immediate action:

• An end to politically motivated extradition proceedings, including those against Gino.
• The immediate repatriation of Maja T. to Germany.
• An EU-wide ban on extraditions to member states failing to uphold the rule of law.
• Concrete measures to protect activists from persecution across the EU.

Fascism is not an opinion or a choice, it is a crime against humanity. This is why the fight against repression, authoritarianism, and hate remains critical to preserving the core values of justice and democracy in Europe.