Ilaria Sallis’ hands were handcuffed and chained in the courtroom, and her legs were tied together. Source:X
The Italian government has expressed dissatisfaction with the treatment of Ilaria Saris, a 39-year-old Italian woman awaiting trial in Hungary for her role in counter-demonstrations against neo-Nazi rallies.
Photos of Saris in handcuffs and chains sparked outrage, with Italian ministers summoning the ambassador in Budapest to protest. Saris, who was arrested in Budapest in February last year, faces three charges of attempted assault and being accused of being a member of a far-left organization.
If convicted, he could be sentenced to up to 11 years in prison. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Salis’ treatment appeared excessive and stressed the need to respect the rights of citizens within the European Union.
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The case could pose a potential challenge given the close ties between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Hungarian nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Tajani acknowledged that he did not want to intervene in the Hungarian justice system, but stressed that the treatment of prisoners should be in line with legal standards.
During a protest at the Hungarian Ministry of Justice, Tajani suggested that Salisu be placed under house arrest rather than detention. Salis’ lawyers condemned his treatment as shocking and called on the Italian state to quickly address the situation.
The incident could strain relations between Mr. Meloni and Mr. Orbán, who have previously shared close ties but have been divided over Ukraine. Italy’s support for Kiev stands in contrast to President Orban’s veto of the EU’s aid package for Ukraine in December.
Sallis is scheduled to go on trial on May 24, and the Italian government is protesting to ensure fair treatment and protect the rights of its citizens within the European Union.