Today, the JURI Committee in the European Parliament refused to bow to the threats of authoritarian leader Viktor Orbán by deciding not to lift the parliamentary immunity of Left MEP Ilaria Salis.
This is a crucial step in defending the rule of law and protecting our democracies. By rejecting Orbán’s blackmail attempts, the JURI Committee of the European Parliament has preserved the honour of European institutions.
After the Hungarian government’s spokesperson publicly threatened Left MEP Ilaria Salis with a tweet pointing to the location of a Hungarian prison, and after Viktor Orbán himself endorsed Donald Trump’s claim that antifascists are “terrorists,” we cannot allow a fascist agenda to take root within the European Union.
Speaking from Brussels today, MEP Ilaria Salis (Alleanza Verdi e Sinistra, Italy) said: “Today’s decision is a strong signal in defence of democracy and the rule of law. Defending my immunity does not mean evading justice, but protecting myself from the political persecution of Orbán’s regime. That is why its protection is essential. I fully trust that my colleagues at the European Parliament will confirm this decision in the next October plenary session”
Left co-Chair Martin Schirdewan (Die Linke, Germany) said: “Our colleagues in the Legal Affairs Committee have today taken a decision that is in line with the fundamental values of the European Union. Democracy and the rule of law are central pillars of our European cohesion. It is important that these principles are upheld in all Member States, and Orban must understand this too.”
The Left in the European Parliament continues to call for a complete ban on extradition to Hungary or any member states failing to uphold the rule of law, and concrete measures to protect activists from persecution across the EU. The fight against repression, authoritarianism, and hate remains critical to preserving the core values of justice and democracy in Europe.
In response to the decision taken today, MEP Ilaria Salis will host a press conference in the European Parliament tomorrow at 10:30 AM (Wednesday 24 September) together with co-Chair of The Left Martin Schirdewan and former judge of the International Criminal Court Cuno Tarfusser. Journalists can join the press conference in person or online here.
