Ilaria Salis confronts Hungary's politicization of justice and anti-fascism fight

On December 11, 2023, a significant event took place at the European Parliament in Brussels, focusing on the political persecution of anti-fascist activists in Hungary. The event, organized by The Left group, included prominent speakers such as the renowned cartoonist Michele Rech, known as Zerocalcare, who highlighted the case of Ilaria Salis. During the session, Salis shared her alarming experiences under the authoritarian regime of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, underscoring the interference of political power in the judiciary. Her court case serves as a critical example of how anti-fascist activists are being criminalized by the far-right forces in Europe, particularly in Hungary, revealing a systemic attempt to suppress dissent. Salis emphasized that the current judicial conditions lack fairness, stating that the legal process she faces reflects not justice but a desire for political vengeance. Her testimony illustrated the broader struggles of anti-fascist activists in Hungary. Zerocalcare, through his recent work titled “This Night Will Not Be Short,” aims to keep public attention on Salis's plight and similar cases, spotlighting the troubling reality that activists face in Hungary, where the rule of law is compromised. The session also addressed the plight of other activists facing legal repercussions, such as Rexhino Abazaj and Maja T., whose situations parallel Salis's, having all participated in an anti-fascist protest. Their cases illustrate the alarming intersection of politics and judiciary, where the Hungarian government seeks to quash dissent by invoking the law against those who oppose far-right ideologies. The discussion unveiled the political motivations behind these legal actions, which the Left group argued serve to criminalize those advocating for democratic values and human rights. Moreover, the atmosphere of solidarity in Italy around these issues was also mentioned, highlighting how awareness and support for Salis have grown, resulting in her election within The Left and Green Alliance (AVS). Nevertheless, Zerocalcare pointed out the cultural mindset in Italy regarding imprisonment, where many citizens erroneously equate the conditions of inmates with their presumed guilt, thus undermining the principles of justice and human rights. The event thus served not only to inform but also to galvanize support for anti-fascist causes across Europe, stressing the need for a reform in how the judiciary is influenced by political ties and the far-right. In conclusion, the gathering in Brussels served as a critical reminder of the fight against the rise of authoritarianism in Europe, highlighting the importance of protecting human rights and ensuring that judicial processes are not weaponized for political revenge, particularly against those who stand against fascism and discrimination.