Verdict in the Hammer Gang trial: Maja T. has to go to prison for eight years

Budapest (Hungary) – The Hungarian court sees it as proven that the German Maja T. (25), as a member of the left-wing extremist Hammer Gang, was involved in attacks on suspected right-wing extremists in Budapest in February 2023. Maja T., who describes himself as non-binary, has to go to prison for eight years for attempted life-threatening bodily harm and membership in a criminal organization. The Budapest City Court ruled this on Wednesday after a trial that lasted almost a year.

Around 20 suspected Left-wing extremistsincluding Maja T., attacked people with telescopic batons, rubber hammers and pepper spray in five places in the Hungarian capital between February 9th and 11th, 2023. The attackers assumed that their victims had taken part in the so-called “Day of Honor,” an annual SS commemoration that the authorities in Budapest tolerate. Both The attack Nine people are said to have been injured, one victim suffered a fractured skull. The public prosecutor accused Maja T. of participating in two of these attacks. In the trial she demanded 24 years in prison.

As the trial progressed, little evidence came to the table. Neither witness statements nor DNA traces incriminated the Thuringian. The public prosecutor’s office argued with a chain of evidence based on footage from security cameras near the crime scenes in which Maja T. could be seen.

Maja T. was extradited to Hungary

In December 2023, Maja T. was arrested in Berlin and in June 2024 by the German authorities Hungary been delivered. According to the Federal Constitutional Court, the extradition was unlawful. According to the highest German court, the chamber court that ordered it did not sufficiently examine the circumstances of detention in Hungary for the non-binary person Targeted. Politicians from the Left, the Greens and the SPD are calling for Maja T. to be transferred back to Germany.

Adverse prison conditions

Maja’s family reported unbearable conditions Jail in Budapest. He is under “continuous video surveillance” in his cell and only has a one-hour stay outside the cell alone in the yard,” said the Federal Constitutional Court, referring to an affidavit submitted by his father and half-sister. In addition, the cell was infested with vermin. Maja T. protested against the prison conditions with a hunger strike.

If Maja T’s defense appeals against the verdict, the German will likely remain in Hungarian custody for the time being. Will that Verdict However, if it were legally binding, it would be possible that Maja T. could be transferred to Germany. According to German law and international agreements, the prison sentence of a person convicted abroad can generally be carried out in Germany. All countries involved must agree to this. Germany would have to recognize the Budapest judgment. However, a German court could decide whether to suspend the remainder of the sentence on probation when examining individual cases.

Further Hammer Gang trials in Germany

The suspected one Leader of the Hammer Gang, Johann G.is said to have planned the Budapest series of attacks. Currently running at the Higher Regional Court in Dresden and processes at the Higher Regional Court in Düsseldorf against him and several other alleged members of the Hammer Gang. Some of them turned themselves in for fear of being extradited to Hungary. In these processes Both the acts of violence in Budapest and other acts in Germany are being tried.